The 4 Best Gamification and Game-Based Learning Projects for Adult Education in 2024

There’s no debate. If you want to see the future of learning, these four projects are it. Chosen by a panel of expert judges at GamiCon48V’s Throwdown Competition, these award-winning designs are not just creative—they’re transformative. Each one tackles a real-world challenge in adult education and delivers measurable impact through gamification and game-based learning.

Whether you’re an instructional designer, corporate trainer, university faculty member, or L&D strategist, these are the programs that are setting the standard in 2025. No fluff. No hype. Just smart, strategic learning that works. 

#4 Best Game-Based Learning

And Best Use of Narrative
Famiglia by Michiel van Eunen & Jan-Joost Kroon | Netherlands

Can Mafia-Inspired Roleplay Teach Teams to Collaborate? Without Question.

Famiglia is a fast-paced, narrative-rich management game where players take on roles in competing crime families vying for influence on the island of Terra Nostra. Each family member—from Diplomatico to Protector—has a unique role to play, and each team must collaborate, negotiate, and strategize to earn reputation while navigating sabotage, shifting alliances, and ethical dilemmas.

At first glance, it’s a captivating mafia game. Beneath the surface, it’s a masterclass in communication, leadership, and systems thinking. Built as a tool to address real workplace dynamics, Famiglia highlights and challenges unproductive behaviors in teams—then teaches players how to do better.

Why it’s a standout:

• Uses storytelling to simulate the complexities of organizational life

• Immerses players in meaningful collaboration and decision-making

• Uncovers gaps in communication, unclear roles, and misaligned goals in a safe, game-based format

Meet the Designers:
Michiel van Eunen is co-founder of Living Story and co-author of Spelen Werkt (Playing Works), with over 20 years of experience in game-based learning. Jan-Joost Kroon is a strategic change expert and author of From Capo to CEO, blending insights from business and Italian flair into every interaction. Together, they created Famiglia to transform how teams learn to lead—and follow.

Experience the game that turns power struggles into performance.

Watch NOW to see how Famiglia turns leadership into an unforgettable game!

#3. Best Low-Tech Use of Gamification

National Sea Logistics New Hire Orientation Capstone (ZNHO Capstone) by Tiaja Sabrie | USA

Can a Hands-On Simulation Outperform Slide Decks? Without a Doubt.

When new employees join a global logistics company, they’re often met with days of dense content, piles of acronyms, and a sea of disconnected terms. Tiaja Sabrie set out to change that—and she did.

The ZNHO Capstone Simulation transforms two full days of passive onboarding into a high-impact, tangible recreation of the sea logistics freight forwarding process. Learners don’t just hear about their roles—they experience them in action.

This low-tech, high-engagement simulation allows new hires to apply what they’ve learned in real time, connect the dots between siloed information, and leave with clarity and confidence.

Why it’s a standout:

• Converts overwhelming orientation content into meaningful application

• Provides immediate insight into real-world logistics challenges

• Uncovers gaps in understanding before they become performance issues

About the Organization:
Designed for Kuehne+Nagel, a global logistics powerhouse with over 80,000 employees in 100+ countries, this capstone reflects the organization’s commitment to preparing its people for real success, not just theoretical knowledge.

See how making onboarding interactive and meaningful, ensures better knowledge retention and more confident employees. 

Watch NOW to see how this innovative simulation transforms logistics training! 

#2 Best High-Tech Use of Gamification

And People’s Choice: Best High-Tech
Emotions Arena by Eslam Ali | Egypt

Can a Board Game Teach Emotional Intelligence? Absolutely.

Emotions Arena is a groundbreaking fusion of classic board game mechanics and augmented reality, built around Daniel Goleman’s emotional intelligence framework. Designed for adult learners, this gamified experience challenges players to navigate emotionally charged scenarios as mythological Greek champions—Zeus, Hades, Ares, and Poseidon.

Through immersive gameplay, players confront "emotional whispers"—real-world feelings like anger, fear, and anxiety—learning how to decode, empathize, and respond in constructive ways.

Why it’s a standout:

• Combines analog and AR for a truly hybrid learning experience

• Makes emotional intelligence visible, memorable, and applicable

• Strengthens empathy, communication, and self-awareness through strategic play

Meet the Designer:
Eslam Ali is a seasoned Gamification Consultant and Experiential Learning Designer. With a background in soft skills training, instructional design, and team-building, Eslam has worked with HNI and Dale Carnegie Egypt, and continues to deliver powerful learning solutions around the world. He holds both Level 1 and Level 2 certifications in gamification design.

Watch how Emotions Arena brings emotional intelligence to life.

Watch NOW to see how strategic gameplay, unique dice rolls, and an augmented reality app build emotional intelligence. 

#1 Best Overall Use of Gamification

And People’s Choice: Best Low-Tech
Biobots by Javier Velásquez | Colombia

Can a Board Game Teach Computational Thinking? Absolutely.

Biobots is the definitive example of how low-tech doesn’t mean low impact. Commissioned by the Ministry of Technology and Communications in Colombia and The British Council, this analogue game trains rural students in computational thinking—without a computer in sight.

Learners use functions, commands, and logic to guide bots through missions that help protect Colombia’s environment. It’s tactile. It’s immersive. And it works.

Why it’s a standout:

• Builds foundational STEM skills in underserved areas

• Proves that analog tools can rival tech in learning effectiveness

• Reinforces logic and problem-solving through progressive challenges

Meet the Designer:
Javier Velásquez is no stranger to innovation. As co-founder of Free to Play SAS and Azahar Games, and creator of the BEM Motivation Framework, he’s spent over a decade designing gamified learning that inspires action.

Watch how Biobots is changing the game!

Watch NOW to see how BioBots offline methods are being used to teach online skills.

These five award-winning projects aren’t just impressive—they’re a clear signal that adult learning is evolving. The future is hands-on. It’s emotionally engaging. It’s backed by data, powered by design, and driven by purpose. And these are the creators leading the charge.

Want to experience what comes next in adult education? Start here.