As the development of cloud-native technologies continues to fuel careers, the ability to develop new cloud skills is necessary for employees to keep up. But rather than poring over textbooks and reviewing meticulously-taken notes, cloud hyperscaler Amazon Web Services (AWS) is upskilling its workforce with gamified cloud training.

A research study commissioned by AWS found that interactive, game-based learning results in better knowledge retention than traditional methods. In fact, 80% of managers said they will likely engage with game-based cloud training again in the next 12 months.

To support this technique and upskill its workforce, AWS expanded the free and low-cost gamified cloud training available in its digital learning center, the AWS Skill Builder. These trainings cover the foundations of solution design, real-world use cases, and preparation for AWS certifications like the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification.

The interactive trainings are designed for visual and practical learners who thrive on receiving active feedback and guidance. Each game takes players into a 3D simulation that covers all levels of cloud experience – for those just starting in the cloud, and those who are looking to develop advanced skills.

By presenting the player with real-world problems paired with guided training on how to best respond to those issues, employees develop practical skills fast, retain those skills better, and remain motivated to continue learning.

The quest for cloud talent, the portfolio’s flagship training, AWS Cloud Quest, focuses on building role-specific experience. Players create an avatar and then experience what it’s like to be a solutions architect or machine learning (ML) specialist, for example, by communicating with virtual customers and learning how to translate complex business problems into technical solutions.

Players apply their new knowledge to solve the customer’s problem in a structured AWS Management Console environment. Assessments along the way reinforce players’ learning. Completion of all levels in the game will earn players an AWS digital badge credential, which serves as a signal to recruiters and potential employers.

AWS Cloud Quest is ideal for individuals who are new to the cloud, foundational cloud practitioners, and advanced cloud professionals like data analytics specialists, networking specialists, serverless developers, and security specialists.

But the digital learning center isn’t just a benefit for AWS (via creating a pool of specially-trained talent) – cloud professionals have also praised the efficacy of these game-based trainings.

“I love how varied it is, allowing you to do quizzes to reinforce your knowledge, or you can be doing hands-on labs, which are really similar to real-world experiences,” software engineer Katy Raby said.

Other gamified trainings from the AWS digital learning center include AWS Industry Quest, AWS Card Clash, and an immersive virtual escape room.

AWS Industry Quest is similar to the hyperscaler’s flagship training, but specifies how to build cloud solutions based on industry – health care, financial services, or manufacturing/automotive. Players tackle industry-specific use cases and solve common problems to make their virtual customer an industry leader.

AWS Card Clash explores AWS’ public cloud architecture and design. Ideal for all skill levels, the game helps players develop and enhance working knowledge of AWS Cloud services and how they work together in an environment. Players identify common architectures and build a house of cards that represents a scalable AWS solution architecture.