ArSGam: A Modular Architecture for Integrating Gamification into Serious Games

This paper presents ArSGam, a modular architecture designed to integrate gamification schemes into serious games aimed at cognitive-affective training. ArSGam focuses on the user's emotional, cognitive, motivational profile and learning style. The proposal seeks to move beyond traditional approaches in which game elements are added without clear justification while offering a structured framework that aligns pedagogical, motivational, and emotional objectives. We designed four modules, guiding the process from user profiling to the logical selection of game mechanics: 1) Contextual Analysis, 2) Recommendation, 3) Gamification Scheme Design, and 4) Gamification Integration. Particularly, the inclusion of the cognitive-affective model in the first module facilitated the identification of the emotional and cognitive aspects of the user. We used a case study conducted in the mining sector to validate the architecture's applicability, flexibility, and coherence. In addition, we developed a formal validation using an instrument adapted from the ISO/IEC 25010 standard, evaluating five key characteristics: functionality, usability, maintainability, compatibility, and portability. The evaluation resulted in a global quality score of Q = 47 with an average standard deviation of σ = 0.3, indicating high consistency and overall quality across the assessed characteristics. The results suggest that ArSGam enables the integration of gamification into serious games, thus enhancing educational processes across diverse contexts.