AppsFromResearch
Saving Draggy icon

Saving Draggy

Michigan State University
Evidence Tier:TRUSTED

Expert-developed at a leading university

For:Kids & Youth
Free
Download on the App Store

App Summary

The adventure game 'Saving Draggy' introduces children ages 5-10 to basic financial concepts as they complete a quest to find a missing dragon. Students and faculty at Michigan State University's GEL Lab created the app as the fourth in a series of financial literacy games sponsored by the MSU Federal Credit Union. Available for free across the web, iOS, and Android, the game offers families an accessible tool to introduce these early financial topics.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

This educational game, developed by the Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab at Michigan State University, introduces financial literacy concepts to children. The platform leverages an adventure narrative where players embark on a quest to save their baby dragon. It integrates a series of mini-games designed to build cognition and understanding of basic financial principles within an engaging, story-driven context. The game is free to download and play on multiple platforms.

Development & Context

  • The game was created by undergraduate students and faculty at Michigan State University's GEL Lab, with sponsorship from the MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU).
  • It is the fourth financial literacy game developed through this partnership, with other titles created for different age demographics.
  • The news coverage notes that initial user testing with children aged 5-10 indicated a positive response to the game's theme and mechanics.

Intended Use & Scope

Saving Draggy is designed as an educational tool for children aged 5 to 10 to introduce foundational financial concepts through gameplay. Its scope is limited to educational support and is not intended as a financial advisory tool. Information regarding its development and reception is based on news coverage, not peer-reviewed research.

In the Media

GEL Lab Collaborates with MSUFCU on New Game Saving Draggy

The Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab at MSU developed Saving Draggy in collaboration with Michigan State University Federal Credit Union to teach financial literacy to kids aged 5-10, using an epic quest narrative where players save their baby dragon. Associate Professor Brian Winn reported that "kids had a very positive response to the game" during user testing, with children particularly excited about the dragon theme and embedded mini-games. This marks the fourth financial literacy game created through the GEL Lab-MSUFCU partnership, with the app available free across web, iOS, and Android platforms.

MsuRead article

Saving Draggy

Free

iOS