2026-08-03T04:08:42Z https://drops.dagstuhl.de/oai

oai:drops-oai.dagstuhl.de:26744 2026-07-22T11:05:59Z ddc:004 open_access

Gamification in Programming Education: A Zelda-Inspired RPG Approach for Reinforcing Foundational Programming Skills Fritsche, Max Paar, Alexander Gamification C Programming Role-Playing Games Automated Grading Docker 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. Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik Max Fritsche and Alexander Paar 2026 Is Part Of OASIcs, Volume 145, 7th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2026) InProceedings Text doc-type:ResearchArticle publishedVersion application/pdf doi:10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.7 urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-267446 https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.7 eng https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode