Charithram: A Serious Game for Enhancing Historical Learning and Critical Thinking Through Interactive Gameplay

Abstract

Serious games have evolved as a tool for transformation. They blend education and entertainment together to create exciting learning experiences. This paper presents the development and application of Charithram, a first-person puzzle adventure game that aims at teaching history and inculcating problem-solving skills. It focuses on the Mughal period and engages players in puzzles and environmental storytelling while encouraging critical thinking. The study focuses on the ability of serious games to overcome limitations in traditional educational methods by encouraging active learning, critical engagement, and interdisciplinary knowledge acquisition. In examining the integration of gameplay mechanics with educational methodologies, this paper underscores the broader implications of serious games as an innovative approach to interactive and meaningful education.