Dream Racer

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational game, developed by the Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab at Michigan State University, introduces financial literacy concepts through a go-kart racing theme. The core mechanism integrates resource management with gameplay, challenging players to budget for vehicle upgrades, secure sponsorships, and manage their earnings to build a better race car. The platform simulates basic financial decision-making, such as saving and spending, within an engaging racing environment to progress through the game.

Development & Context

• The game was created at Michigan State University's GEL Lab with support from the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.
• It was designed as a tool to introduce financial literacy skills to high school students in an engaging format.
• The news coverage highlights that the game's design focuses on concepts such as savings, credit, bills, and budgeting.
• The game was released in April 2017 and is offered completely free-to-play without any in-app purchases.

Intended Use & Scope

Dream Racer is designed as an educational game for high school students. Its primary purpose is to introduce fundamental financial literacy concepts, including budgeting and credit, in a simplified, game-based context. The information and gameplay are intended for educational support and do not constitute financial advice or formal instruction.