Submission of HOTEL STARS Game


Page 216 - Developments in Business Simulation and Experiential Learning, Volume 45, 2018 

 

GAME DESCRIPTION 
 

Workshop will feature English version of the OTEL STARS game. HOTEL STARS is a web browser-based game; participants 
play against a computer-modeled industry. The game is designed to be played on PCs and tablet computers. Since this business 
simulation game relies on a touch screen interface, the process of its creation required a new approach to interface design. Instead of 
following a classic decision tree model, we created a completely new distribution design. Every decision involves a maximum of two 
clicks or touches and the ‘one screen’ design minimizes scrolling. Game participants can click or touch the buildings on the in-game 
interactive map and call up any available decisions or information. The number of decisions grows as the game progresses, according 
to the stage of development accomplished around the simulation’s storyline and the teaching program. The game can be played in 
small two-three person student groups. The objective of the game is to establish, run, and manage hotels in the virtual city of Pekunia 
(Latin for money). The fictional environment prevents players from making pre-game assumptions based on actual hotels and cities. 
The starting situations are the same for all player teams. They start with a modest amount of capital and the desire to create a 
successful hotel. In the initial stage, teams can choose a different starting location for their hotels. Their decision has long-term 
consequences. Information about the demographics and economics of each location are provided quickly and tied to planning and 
budgeting activities. The game consists of 16 decision rounds, during which the players have to manage their businesses to make 
them thrive. As the game develops, players must make increasingly complex decisions and dynamic game scenario. 

 
TARGET AUDIENCE 

 
HOTEL STARS is a computer-aided simulation game created as part of a program to teach basic of economics and 

management, addressed to secondary school students or entry level college students. The game and the program aim to teach 
fundamental knowledge about economics and business –through the game itself, as well as through the accompanying teaching 
materials and exercises. 

 
TIME FRAME OF THE GAME 

 
Minimum of 1,5 hour and maximum of 3 hours is need to experience the game 

 
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS  

 
The game is played on-line so internet connection is required. Participants need to bring devices capable of the using on-line 

browser with screens larger than 6` - optimally laptops or tablet devices. However, large screen smartphones will work too. 

 
THE FULL GAME HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN AN ARTICLE  

IN SIMULATION & GAMING JOURNAL:  
 

WARDASZKO M. (2016), "Building Simulation Game-Based Teaching Program for Secondary School Students", SIMULATION 
& GAMING. AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF THEORY, PRACTICE AND RESEARCH, 47(3), pp.287-303, 
DOI: 10.1177/1046878116635467 

Submission of HOTEL STARS Game 
 

Marcin Wardaszko 
Kozminski University 

wardaszko@kozminski.edu.pl 

mailto:wardaszko@kozminski.edu.pl