Playing (Government) Seriously: Design Principles for E-Government Simulation Game Platforms

Halsbenning Sebastian, Niemann Marco, Distel Bettina, Becker Jörg

Abstract
The digital transformation of the public sector is progressing but regularly not at the desired pace. Here, the digitalization skills of public officials are one important resource to cope with the demanding digital shift and rise of e-government. As there is still a lack of those competences, alternative educational approaches are needed. Promising and flexible methods are simulation games— although not widely used in the public sector. As a resolve, we are developing on
a corresponding simulation game platform for about two years. In addition to sharing the artifact, this manuscript shall provide a set of design principles helping to create and facilitate the adoption of related platforms for the public sector.

Keywords
simulation game platform; digitalization; skills; e-government; design principles; competences