Peruvian Students Create Math Video Game That Dramatically Improves Grades

A group of Systems Engineering students from the Universidad Continental in Cusco, Peru, have created an innovative action-adventure video game called "Du.Math" that significantly boosts primary school students' math performance. The game, developed over four months as part of the Fellowship program, has shown remarkable results, with students' grades soaring from a failing average of 6 to an impressive 13.38.

The game's name cleverly combines "Doom," a nod to its action-packed gameplay, with "Math." Its creators, Carlos Loaiza, Ali Astete, Alfredo Uman, Brayan Chauca, and Eduardo Cussi, aimed to foster a digital learning culture that complements traditional teaching methods. By engaging students with logical thinking and creativity, "Du.Math" combats academic demotivation.

"Du.Math" immerses players in three levels where they solve mathematical problems involving addition, subtraction, multiples, and divisors while battling enemies. The final challenge involves a boss fight against Pythagoras himself, testing all learned concepts. The game was built using the Godot 4.4 engine, with visuals created in Aseprite and sound design in Ableton. It is available for free download on computers via itch.io or can be played directly in a web browser.

Following the success of "Du.Math," the student team is already planning a follow-up game, "Du.Quim," which will focus on chemistry. New team members Katia Quinta, Paul Acurio Jara, Alexis Lizarraga, and Eliab Zamalloa will join to expand the reach of these interactive educational tools developed in Cusco.