Serious Games: Using Abstract Strategy Games in Computer Science 2 An experience report and lessons learned

In this paper, we describe the use and lessons learned of "serious games", in particular "abstract strategy games", at freshmen-level in Computer Science 2 (CS2) course. In this course, the goals are that the student can analyze non trivial domains using methodology; design solutions, and implement them under the object oriented paradigm (OOP). Since some years ago, we included this kind of games as a tool to teach the main concepts of the course. Here, we describe the CS2 course and abstract strategy games, including how to use them in the course and some examples. Moreover, we collected students' results and opinions, and also teachers' perspective. According to these data, its use is highly motivating and promotes learning We also offer some lessons learned.