Web Courseworks has categorized three game development types to better scope training projects. These include: single-concept games, multi-concept games, and immersive games.

Single-concept games for learning

• Addresses a single learning objective
• Portable across courses or even subject areas
• Simulations are sufficiently realistic
• Mastery in less than an hour

Single-concept games are often small, modular learning objects. A single-concept game might teach learners how to steer a car or identify the characteristics of a hydrogen atom.

Multi-concept games for learning

• Addresses more than one learning objective
• Less portable, more specific knowledge
• Simulations moderately realistic
• Mastery in an hour or more

Multi-concept games encompass more than one learning objective, but their scope is still somewhat limited. A multi-concept learning object might teach learners the elements of car maintenance, or how hydrogen and oxygen atoms interact.

Immersive games for learning

• Addresses several learning objectives
• Often contains multi-concept games or mini-games
• Simulations are highly realistic
• Mastery in hours, days, or weeks

An immersive game addresses several learning objectives at once. An immersive game can in fact be composed of many multi-concept games. An example would be a driver-education game in which the learner must demonstrate driving skills, proper car maintenance, and knowledge of driving rules. Another example would be a game in which the learner conducted a single oxygen atom through the process of photosynthesis and respiration.