Rapidly Prototyping an Immersive 3D Escape Room Game Empowered by Generative AI for Cybersecurity Training

Abstract

The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks underscore the urgent need for cybersecurity education, particularly for K-12 students who are often vulnerable to digital threats. Despite its importance, access to cybersecurity education remains limited, especially in low-resourced schools. To address this gap, we developed a ChatGPT-integrated 3D immersive escape room game aimed at equipping K-12 students with essential cybersecurity skills. Over a two-month intensive design and development period, this design case details our iterative design process, collaboration with subject matter experts, game developers, and K-12 teachers, and the pivotal role of generative AI in enabling personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Alongside positive feedback from an early usability test, the study shares key challenges that naturally arose during the rapid prototyping process. This design case provides valuable insights into the creation of educational games, particularly in contexts requiring rapid prototyping.