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Gamification in Programming Education: A Zelda-Inspired RPG Approach for Reinforcing Foundational Programming Skills

Authors Max Fritsche , Alexander Paar

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OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.7.pdf
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ACM Subject Classification
  • Social and professional topics → Computer science education
  • Applied computing → Interactive learning environments
Keywords
  • Gamification
  • C Programming
  • Role-Playing Games
  • Automated Grading
  • Docker

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Abstract

The acquisition of programming skills is a notoriously difficult process characterized by high cognitive load, complex abstraction requirements, and significant dropout rates in higher education. Traditional pedagogical approaches often struggle to bridge the gap between seemingly abstract language syntax and the strategic problem-solving required in software engineering. This paper presents a comprehensive gamified solution: a 2D top-down Role-Playing Game (RPG) inspired by classical adventure games such as The Legend of Zelda [Nintendo, 1986], specifically designed to reinforce existing knowledge. We detail the integration of a secure, Docker-based automated code judge within a narrative-driven environment. Key features include a virtual economy, a social "company" system for collaboration, and a curriculum focused on the C programming language to deepen low-level understanding. The paper evaluates the technical robustness of the prototype and proposes an empirical framework to validate the hypothesis that this immersive approach significantly enhances learning productivity, persistence, and student motivation.

Cite As Get BibTex

Max Fritsche and Alexander Paar. Gamification in Programming Education: A Zelda-Inspired RPG Approach for Reinforcing Foundational Programming Skills. In 7th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2026). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 145, pp. 7:1-7:12, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2026) https://doi.org/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.7

Author Details

Max Fritsche
  • DHSN Duale Hochschule Sachsen, Staatliche Studienakademie Leipzig, Germany
  • Security Robotics D&S GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
Alexander Paar
  • DHSN Duale Hochschule Sachsen, Staatliche Studienakademie Leipzig, Germany

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