Analistrator: a Visual Novel Serious Game for Human Anatomy Education

• Josiel Costa dos Santos Júnior UFMA
• Giovanna Leão Rodrigues UFMA
• Fabiane Rodrigues Fernandes UFMA
• Tiago Bonini Borchartt UFMA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbgames.2026.26393

Resumo

Introduction: The teaching-learning process of Human Anatomy is complex, traditionally relying on rote memorization and facing structural limitations such as cadaver scarcity. While Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) tools have been adopted to mitigate these issues, many current applications permit player progression through random guessing rather than demanding genuine clinical reasoning. Objective: This paper presents the design, development, and preliminary evaluation of Analistrator, a 2D Visual Novel serious game focused on teaching the human muscular system through applied clinical diagnostics. Methodology: Guided by the Design Science Research (DSR) paradigm and Design Thinking, the project encompassed an immersion phase with 74 undergraduate healthcare students, a heuristic evaluation of existing tools by design experts, and software development using the Unity engine. The artifact underwent expert clinical validation and was empirically evaluated through playtesting sessions using a qualitative observational approach and open-ended feedback. Results: Playtesting data indicated that the lightweight 2D narrative format effectively minimized visual cognitive load. Crucially, the implementation of a summative assessment mechanic (Day 6 penalty system) showed potential to inhibit trial-and-error behaviors, compelling players to correlate spatial anatomy with patient symptomatology.

Palavras-chave: Serious Games, Human Anatomy, Game Design, Game-Based Learning, Visual Novel

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