Guide to Developing Digital Games for Early Grade Literacy

This guide is intended to assist game developers, literacy experts, and the staff of agencies interested in funding the development of digital games for early grade literacy learning. It is not a manual that provides step-by-step instructions. Neither is it an academic document; statements of fact are not footnoted, although Section 8 lists sources that provide evidence or describe theories that support the authors’ recommendations. Rather, this guide presents information to be considered when designing games for literacy learning. It uses game examples that demonstrate how game developers and literacy educators have worked together. These examples were selected following a review of approximately 70 literacy learning games, including 50 games designed specifically for early grade students in developing countries.