Game-based learning for critical infrastructure training: Designing serious games for decision-making skills

Critical infrastructures operate in highly complex, interconnected, and risk-prone environments that require effective decision-making under uncertainty, time pressure, and incomplete information. Traditional training approaches often fail to capture the dynamic conditions of real-world infrastructure disruptions. In this context, Game-Based Learning (GBL) and serious games offer useful approaches for developing decision-making skills in high-risk domains. This paper explores the role of serious games in critical infrastructure training and proposes a design framework for developing game-based environments that support situational awareness, risk assessment, and collaborative decision-making. Drawing on recent literature, the study identifies key design principles such as scenario realism, adaptive feedback, and system responsiveness. The findings suggest that serious games can improve the preparedness of professionals and support more effective responses in complex and high-risk environments.