Drug Defense: A Mobile Game for Prevention of Alcohol Abuse

Abstract

We present Drug Defense, a mobile tower defense game designed to prevent alcohol abuse. The game makes use of the Cognitive Behavioral Game Design (CBGD) methodology to encourage the retention of knowledge about the consequences of excessive alcohol use. The researchers compared used pretest and posttest to determine the game aided in greater retention. The researchers also assessed the playability of the game was also evaluated using a questionnaire adapted from the Heuristics to Evaluate the Playability (HEP) of Games. Data analysis showed that the players had significantly increased knowledge on alcohol and its use. Players also enjoyed the game’s narrative and the need to strategize.