#USA #Orlando #Singleton Foundation #Venture Valley #Serious Games

Venture Valley: An Award-Winning Game Making Financial Education Fun

In a significant achievement for educational gaming, Venture Valley, developed by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, was honored with the General Audience Game Award at the 2025 Serious Games Showcase & Challenge (SGSC). Held between December 1-4, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the event showcased innovations in training and educational games.

Venture Valley stands out for its ability to engage a diverse audience through an interactive platform that teaches financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. This game transforms complex financial concepts into entertaining challenges, making it an effective educational tool for players aged 12 and up.

The SGSC, hosted by the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), annually recognizes outstanding serious games that impact real-world learning and skill development. Venture Valley's selection for the award underscores its success in meeting strict educational standards while remaining accessible and enjoyable for players.

The Game Mechanics

Venture Valley is a multiplayer, tournament-style simulation that immerses players in the business world. As players progress, they take on various roles, from dog walker to CEO of a robotics factory, gaining hands-on experience in building their own companies. The game promotes critical financial decision-making and strategic thinking as players navigate marketing challenges at a pizza parlor or leverage drone delivery to increase revenues.

What makes Venture Valley particularly unique is its social competitive aspect. Players compete against their peers, fostering a sense of community while reinforcing fundamental financial principles. This combination of competition and education enhances learning outcomes, making financial concepts less intimidating for young learners.

Celebrating Success

Shelley Miles, CEO of the Singleton Foundation, expressed pride in this accolade: "This has been another award-winning year for Venture Valley. The General Audience Award is a wonderful way to cap off the year and shows firsthand how engaging game-based learning can effectively teach financial concepts to young people."

The SGSC is a notable part of the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), the world’s largest conference focused on modeling, simulation, and training. Since its inception in 2006, the challenge has become a platform for premier serious games and training technologies worldwide.

In addition to the recent award, Venture Valley has garnered multiple accolades, including winning in the Business Category at the Games and Learning Alliance (GALA) Awards and receiving the Silver Award from The Anthem Awards for Responsible Technology. These honors highlight the game's effectiveness in communicating intricate financial and entrepreneurial concepts through an engaging medium.

A Mission of Empowerment

The mission of the Singleton Foundation revolves around promoting financial literacy through engaging methods. Venture Valley is entirely free, with no in-app purchases, emphasizing accessibility for all players. It is available on PC and mobile platforms (iOS and Android), bringing financial competence to a broader audience while inspiring entrepreneurship.

For more details on Venture Valley and to explore its educational offerings, visit venturevalleygame.com and connect through its social media channels: LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

In a world increasingly driven by financial knowledge, Venture Valley exemplifies how gaming can create impactful educational experiences, equipping the future generation with the skills they need to succeed.