This paper describes how a pervasive multiplayer lightweight Role-Playing Game can be used in higher education
to motivate and engage students. The primary research goal was to study the educational effect of this type of game, while
the secondary research goal was to evaluate the usability of the game. The game named Knowledge War combines
gameplay elements from role-playing games where you can build and grow characters with location-awareness that
“forces” students to physically move around campus to compete in a knowledge war. The game was tested on students in
a software architecture course at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Data from the experiment
was collected through questionnaires as well as group discussions with the subjects. The results show that students found
the game both to be fun and educational. However, the results also reveal that the game needs more gameplay elements
and game world content to keep the students playing the game regularly. Our main conclusion was that the use of role
playing game mechanics in a pervasive game has a good potential for a successful educational tool in higher education.