Exploring Playability Metrics in Operation Quest: A Game for Pediatric Psychological Preparation and Preoperative Care.

Serious games, like "Operation Quest," blend fun with learning to boost user engagement and comprehension. This particular game, developed from June 2023 to March 2024 by an interdisciplinary team, aims to psychologically prepare children aged 6-12 for pediatric surgery. An observational study assessed its playability, evaluating aspects like gameplay effectiveness and satisfaction. The iterative design process involved an education phase (concept teaching) and a game design phase (mechanics, dynamics, aesthetics). Children successfully completed game objectives, reporting positive experiences with immersion and learning. Interviews confirmed the game's educational value, improving their understanding of medical procedures. These results highlight the importance of playability evaluations in enhancing health-related serious games.