An ongoing University study is finding that educational video game, Venture Valley, effectively teaches students about business and entrepreneurship.
The study is being conducted at Suffolk University and the Lemelson-MIT Program. Students at Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School are playing the game and testing their knowledge and application during in-class tournaments.
Students report learning savvy business lessons and tools, such as resource management, employee compensation, market demands, and multitasking. Venture Valley also helps teach interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication, and responsibility.
Here are the key findings from the initial results:
- 85% said the game helped them better understand business and entrepreneurship in a risk-free setting.
- 89% said the game helped them learn about the impact of resources and resource allocation.
- 83% reported increased knowledge of financial decision-making.
- 87% reported collaborating with teammates to make decisions or overcome challenges.
- 76% said playing the game encouraged them to consider a career in business, entrepreneurship, or innovation.
“From an academic standpoint, it was fascinating to see how game-based learning like Venture Valley can meaningfully boost both student engagement and comprehension in business and finance education,” said Dr. Sepideh Kaffash, Ph.D Associate Professor at Suffolk University. “The use of simulation games not only captures students’ attention but also helps drive stronger learning outcomes by allowing them to actively apply concepts in real-time.”
Venture Valley is an educational, free-to-play business sim available on Steam and mobile devices (iOS, Android). Classroom tools and resources are freely available for educators that can be incorporated into classrooms and summer camps, including lesson plans, video tutorials, and training videos. The game has won multiple awards for its educational impact, including a 2025 Webby Award for Learning and Education.
