Gamifying Language Preservation Through Play

How we partnered with The Language Conservancy to design nine mini-games that teach endangered indigenous languages.

EducationalSerious GamesEdTechUnity

Client

The Language Conservancy

Platform

iOS & Android

Role

Game Design & Development

Mini-Games

9 Distinct Games

In partnership with The Language Conservancy (TLC), a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing endangered languages, Ocean View Games developed a suite of interactive learning tools designed to engage a digital-native generation. While TLC provided the linguistic expertise and cultural guidance, Ocean View Games provided the technical architecture to transform static vocabulary lists into dynamic, retention-focused mini-games. This project stands as a prime example of our SME-driven development process - translating complex academic requirements into intuitive gameplay loops. Language preservation faces a critical hurdle: traditional learning materials often fail to engage younger audiences. TLC needed a solution that was engaging, linguistically accurate, and scalable across multiple languages without code rewrites.

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Our Contributions

🎯

Gamification of Learning Mechanics

Built 9 distinct mini-games, each targeting specific cognitive retention skills - from audio-matching for listening comprehension to drag-and-drop for orthography.

📊

Scalable Asset Pipelines

Engineered a data-driven pipeline where linguistic experts provide spreadsheets and audio files, automatically parsed and populated into the game engine.

🎨

Culturally Sensitive UI/UX

Designed modern, accessible interfaces respectful of indigenous art styles, with rapid feedback loops to align visuals with cultural identity.

The Results

Multi-Language Rollout

The data-driven architecture enabled The Language Conservancy to roll out support for multiple indigenous languages after launch without requiring code changes.

Ongoing Client Relationship

The Language Conservancy continues to work with Ocean View Games, reflecting the quality of the initial delivery and the long-term value of the platform.

Scalable Content Pipeline

Linguistic experts can add new vocabulary, audio recordings, and language packs via spreadsheets that are automatically parsed into the game engine, removing any engineering dependency for content updates.

The Tech Stack

Unity

Android

Apple

Google Sheets

Testimonial
“David is very patient and has great communication. He is an appropriately skilled freelance Unity developer who understood our project goals from the beginning and worked with us diligently throughout our slow-burn design process. I am pleased that we chose David to develop version 2.0 of our Vocab Builder. Thanks David!”
- Logan, Lead Producer, The Language Conservancy

Gallery

Educational Game Design - Audio-Visual Flash Card System for Endangered Language Preservation

Interactive Mini-Game Suite - Spelling Mechanic with Multi-Language Database Integration

Gamified Learning in Unity - Arcade-Style Vocabulary Reinforcement for Young Learners

Scalable Language System - Multi-Language Quiz Architecture Supporting New Language Rollouts

Play Now

Get it on

Google Play

Frequently Asked Questions

We start by mapping your learning objectives to game mechanics. Each objective gets a mini-game or interaction type designed to reinforce it through repetition and play. For Vocab Builder, we designed nine distinct mini-games, each targeting a different cognitive retention skill: audio-matching for listening comprehension, drag-and-drop for orthography, timed recall for vocabulary reinforcement, and so on. See our educational games service for our full methodology.

Yes. For Vocab Builder, we engineered a data-driven pipeline where linguistic experts provide spreadsheets and audio files that are automatically parsed and populated into the game engine. Adding a new language does not require code changes. The Language Conservancy has used this system to roll out support for multiple indigenous languages since launch.

Always. For Vocab Builder, The Language Conservancy provided all linguistic content, cultural guidance, and pedagogical direction. Our role was to translate that expertise into engaging game mechanics. We follow this same collaborative model for all educational projects, working alongside curriculum designers, teachers, and researchers to ensure gameplay reinforces learning outcomes.

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