2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

As the frequency of cyber threats continues to rise, so does the need for innovative approaches to incorporate cybersecurity education for vulnerable audiences such as teens and young adults. Existing literature indicates that lecture-based instruction often fails to engage this demographic or promote long-term retention. To address this gap, this study presents HackAdemyX, a cross-platform, story-driven, game-based learning environment designed to teach core cybersecurity concepts through interactive gameplay and strengthen users’ defenses against online threats. HackAdemyX is developed using the Unity game engine that integrates concepts such as identity protection, password hygiene, multi-factor authentication, and phishing awareness into immersive scenarios and puzzles that mirror real-world challenges. The tool design follows an iterative game development life cycle incorporating secure programming practices, user-centered design principles, and academically relevant cybersecurity content. Each game level introduces key cybersecurity topics and reinforces them through challenge-based assessments and quiz-style “boss battles.” Initial alpha testing with five undergraduate participants found the environment engaging, intuitive, and informative. Future work will focus on adding additional levels, conducting comprehensive alpha and beta testing to identify usability, performance, and design improvements, and implementing structured learner pre- and post-assessments to evaluate the game’s educational impact and overall effectiveness.