Gaming for reading
One in six UK adults struggle with reading and writing, yet millions play games every day that involve them in reading and could help them develop their literacy skills.
We have carried out a study into how the scale of engagement achieved by the gaming industry could be harnessed to encourage adults with low literacy to read more.
We investigated the breadth of technologies already being used by learning providers and explored their attitudes to the use of gaming. Through carrying out a review of games we found the majority to be accessible to adults with literacy levels of Entry Level 3 to Level 1, which is lower than the average novel. And we talked to games developers and publishers about the potential of digital texts and games to reach new audiences.
The report concludes with recommendations for games developers, learning organisations, researchers, publishers, libraries and policy makers on how to maximise the links between gaming for reading to attract and support adults who struggle with reading.
The Reading Agency will be taking this work forward by setting up a working group to integrate the use of gaming and other digital technologies into our Six Book Challenge scheme and we invite games developers, publishers, libraries, learning specialists and providers to get in touch if they would like to be involved.
We're also keen to get people talking about the potential for gaming and reading and you can take part in our discussion on the forum or get in contact.
You can download a full copy of the report from the Resources section on the right.