Rapid E-Learning Development in Your Organization

How much does it cost to use online simulations and games for learning?

Many organizations have stayed away from immersive learning simulations (ILS) out of concern for the perceived cost of implementation. (The ILS category includes all types of games and simulations.) However, eLearning Guild members report a range of costs in 2008, with a median of $102.88 per learner. The median number of learners reported was 1,500.

The costs ranged from a high of $3,000 per learner (for 500 learners) to less than $2.33 per learner (for 15,000 to 25,000 learners). The largest number of learners reported was 100,000 (at $15 per learner), and the smallest group was 20 learners (at $1,750 per learner). This range reflects the economies of scale. Other variables that make a difference are the complexity of the simulation, the type of simulation and how realistic it is, and the development platform.