An Argument for Game Balance - Improving Student Engagement by Matching Difficulty Level

Explore a 23-minute conference talk from USENIX that examines the importance of game balance in cybersecurity competitions to improve student engagement. Discover how matching difficulty levels with learner readiness can impact participation and interest in cybersecurity careers. Learn about a study that documented a decline in novice participants across three cybersecurity competitions, and understand the argument for supporting learner engagement through balanced game design. Gain insights into the relationship between game difficulty and student abilities, and its potential effects on the growth of the cybersecurity workforce. Consider the implications of this research for designing more effective cybersecurity challenges and competitions to attract and retain students in the field.