Traditional teaching methods, such as lectures, textbook-based learning, and standardized assessments, have been used for a long time due to their effectiveness in information delivery. However, these approaches can lead to reduced student engagement and limited adaptability for diverse learners. Standard oral lectures, relying heavily on textual materials and a lack of interactive elements, can make learning less accessible for students with varying abilities, learning styles, and backgrounds. To address these challenges, the universal design for learning (UDL) framework provides a set of guidelines based on brain networks that target how learners perceive and process information. Applying UDL principles while creating learning experiences will make them more inclusive and engaging.

With the increasing integration of technology in education, UDL principles have been extended to digital learning environments, including digital serious games. Digital serious games are digital games designed specifically for educational, training, or awareness-raising purposes. They offer engaging and meaningful learning experiences that enhance knowledge retention. This paper explores the design and development of a serious game incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to support UDL principles. AI integration can be very beneficial as it can enable adaptive learning experiences, personalized feedback, and interactive assistance through features such as chatbots and avatars, facilitating a seamless implementation of UDL guidelines.

This study focuses on the development of Green Siesta, a digital serious game for green education created as part of the ERASMUS+ project Play2Green. Green Siesta promotes environmental awareness and sustainability by educating players on ecological topics, specifically addressing the management of recyclable and non-recyclable waste. The paper details how UDL guidelines were integrated into the game’s design and how AI-supported features, such as narration and a virtual assistant providing hints or autonomously completing tasks, enhanced accessibility and engagement. The effectiveness and impact of the implemented UDL-driven features were assessed through individual questionnaires and in-game analytics, offering insights into user engagement and accessibility improvements.

Keywords: Serious Games, Universal Design for Learning, Inclusive Education, Environmental Learning, Artificial Intelligence.