Mat Kilau Side Scroller RPG Game: Innovating History Education with Game-Based Engagement

Abstract

Digital platforms that integrate cultural heritage provide innovative opportunities for education, entertainment, and national identity preservation. This study presents the educational role-playing game (RPG) Mat Kilau Side-Scroller, developed to teach Malaysian history through an interactive 2D side-scrolling experience. The game combines historically accurate storytelling, action-adventure gameplay, and principles of User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to engage primary school students aged 8–9 years. Pilot testing with 30 participants indicated strong engagement, with 73.4% reporting improved understanding of Mat Kilau’s life and historical events, and 80% rating the game as easy to use and visually appealing. These results demonstrate that the game effectively supports historical literacy, digital literacy, and cultural appreciation. The study highlights the potential of edutainment games to enhance classroom learning, promote informal education, and contribute to local creative industries by fusing interactive design with cultural storytelling.