Bakterion: development of a serious game for microbiology education

Microbiology education is traditionally lecture-based, with few studies exploring active methodologies such as serious games. In this context, this study aimed to develop a serious card game, 'Bakterion', as a teaching tool for antimicrobial education. The game was designed based on Game Design Thinking, following the stages of Empathy, Ideation, and Implementation. Inspired by the game Munchkin®, Bakterion includes a rulebook, markers, and 200 cards featuring illustrations based on electron microscopy and laboratory materials. The cards were designed to be easy to use, allowing players to correlate elements even without prior specialized knowledge. The game presents an innovative approach to microbiology education, fostering student engagement and active participation. Bakterion may serve as a promising tool for teaching microbiology and antimicrobial resistance, complementing traditional methods. Future studies should assess the impact of Bakterion on student learning.