Montpellier Supagro – “Down by the sea”

As part of the master’s program at the University of Montpellier, students must apply their knowledge in a multi-stakeholder fisheries management simulation. “Down by the Sea” is a serious game in environmental economics developed by Audace for the Montpellier SupAgro Institute., under the guidance of the University of Montpellier. It allows students to better understand the issues related to reconciling economics and natural resource management, a subject at the core of social sciences teachings worldwide. Serious game developed in English.

Context

Each player represents a fisherman around a lake. The lake contains a given stock of fish that replenishes from one round to another based on the remaining stock at the end of the previous round.

To win the game, the player(s) must successfully manage resources and generate profit based on objectives imposed in each round. To achieve this, they must analyze and manage the appropriate individual and collective actions in response to the constraints posed by the resource.

On the other hand, the trainer, who plays the role of regulator, has the ability to freely weigh and configure the game sessions. They can implement taxes or quotas, introduce shocks, or provide information about the risks of resource degradation, among other things.

At the end, players are evaluated based on their individual and collective performances.

This serious game complements face-to-face training. In this regard, it allows:

  • Illustrating classical phenomena and socio-economic mechanisms.
  • Raising essential questions in environmental economics.
  • Facilitating the teaching of basic concepts in economics and other disciplines such as sociology, political science, law, geography, agronomy, ecology, hydrology, biology, etc.
  • Familiarizing oneself with the social issues underlying the studied systems.

Pedagogical Objectives

Be able to manage a fishery taking into account the economic criteria of resource management and competition between stakeholders in the industry.

Target

Students from Montpellier SupAgro and the University of Montpellier.

Synopsis

While walking in a fishing port, you catch sight of a boat in the distance. The smell of the sea breeze, the seagulls, and the sound of the waves bring back memories and awaken a deep-seated calling within you. Since you were a child, you have always preferred the fish section over the toy aisle. You decide to leave your job and finally embark on a career as a fisherman!

You join Fish and Chill, a maritime cooperative responsible for the operation of the northern sector of the Puragos Sea. Soon, a competition is launched among the various cooperatives: who will generate the most profit? But be careful ! It is also important to manage fish stocks properly to avoid running out in the future!

Initially, you will need to understand the environment and learn how to manage fishery resources. To assist you, you have a computer that provides real-time information on resources and how to exploit them optimally. Additionally, you have a fishing boat that will enable you to generate income. As you progress, different buildings will open, such as a store that offers new items. Don’t miss out on its exceptional offers to improve your equipment!

Gameplay

Multiplayer collaborative game supervised by an expert instructor.

Students control a configuration interface, can visit different premises and facilities at the port, make investments, and manage their operations.

The serious game has numerous settings and configuration options. Successive actions, alliances, and strategic choices modify the performance of fish resource management.

Specificities

  • Up to 100 players, grouped in teams of 10, can compete in this game of individual and collective strategy.
  • Each round is based on increasingly elaborate gameplay mechanics.
  • An algorithm developed by Audace is used to simulate the real impacts of actions, decisions, and interactions among players on the evolution of natural resources.
  • The game has been fully developed in English to facilitate its dissemination. Eventually, it is expected to be deployed in other French and foreign universities.

To learn more

Gwenolé Le Velly
Associate Professor, Montpellier SupAgro
UMR CEE-M, Building 26 – Office 421
Phone: +33 4 99 61 23 05
gwenole.le-velly@supagro.fr

Download the game for free

Métrology – Serious Game Metro

A serious game to innovate in the training of industry personnel in the field of metrology.

METRO is a Tower Defense-based Serious Game. The player must apply their knowledge and deduction skills in the game!

its mission ? Succeed in configuring the defense towers that protect a city.

An artificial intelligence developed by CRIL (university research laboratory) allows the game to automatically adjust its difficulty level based on the player’s successes and failures.

Aix Marseille University : Micro-learning management

Aix-Marseille University wanted a simple and effective management training for its executives. Audace was commissioned to create micro-learning modules to complement the in-person training. They cover key management topics. The goal is to strengthen participants’ behavioral, managerial, and technical skills.

Device

The training meets the needs of the University of Aix-Marseille by adapting to organizational constraints and participants’ preferences. Indeed, they prefer to find solutions to their problems independently. The training consists of a series of quick learning sessions (micro-learning). These sessions supplement and enhance the in-person training program.

Content

The modules cover key management topics such as establishing a climate of trust, managerial courage, embodying a vision, preventing discrimination, leading meetings, and much more.

Each module features a unique scenario and presents a manager facing a specific situation. Learners thus have concrete and inspiring examples to address everyday managerial challenges. For example, one of the modules involves resolving a conflict between two employees to deliver a service on time.

Pitch : A file expected by a client has not yet been sent. Medhi, the manager, notices that tensions within his team are impeding the progress of the file. He must quickly find a solution to resolve the conflict between Juan and Inès, two employees who do not get along, in order to deliver the service on time! It is up to him to figure out how to rectify the situation…

Technical solution

The training is accessible via the Moodle LMS platform, providing participants with a personalized and immersive learning experience. Audace uses Plotagon® animation software to create animated scenes with configurable characters. The tool also offers a broad library of backgrounds, lip animations, and voiceovers. Additionally, the LMS integration facilitates participant management, assessments, and tracking.

Learning Objectives Strategic Issues

The training enables participants to master the behavioral, managerial, and technical aspects of management. It offers a skills upgrade for the managers at the University of Aix Marseille. They thereby strengthen their role as intermediaries and influencers within the university. Strategic goals include improving quality of work life, developing balanced managerial courage, and aligning with a common vision.

Pedagogy

Memorize > Understand > Apply > Analyze > Synthesize > Evaluate

The system adopts an immersive and playful pedagogical approach to foster learner engagement. The modules last between 4 and 6 minutes, with short screens of approximately 45 seconds each. Printable summary sheets are provided to facilitate the review of key points. The training promotes active learning and offers formative assessments with feedback. Game mechanics are integrated to stimulate participant engagement and encourage knowledge retention.

Thus, these micro-learning modules enhance the ability to lead and drive managerial actions. Managers benefit from an immersion in fundamental management concepts and become capable of addressing daily management challenges.