How districts are using The Real Game to drive real-world readiness

Two districts in Florida had early access to The Real Game–here they share their experiences.

Students may or may not be certain about the career they want to pursue, but they likely have a vision for the kind of lifestyle they want to have.

Whether it’s living in a big city or setting down roots in a small town, having a flashy house and fancy cars or living simply, today’s students need to know how their careers, locations, housing, and lifestyles intersect to make informed decisions about their future. 

The Real Game by Xello is a new feature comprising simulations, games, and comprehension activities that taps into what motivates students most—and the kind of life they want to live. 

With this first-of-its-kind experience, students will learn to weigh the trade-offs between financial stability, career goals, and personal well-being by navigating both big and small life decisions in a safe, simulated environment.

Simulations use local salary and expense data to help students understand the true cost of their desired lifestyle and how those costs fluctuate across different states and counties. Games are a fun and meaningful way for students to make and reflect on real-world decisions, including the balance between career demands, personal well-being, and financial stability.

The Real Game by Xello in action

Florida districts were given early access to The Real Game to provide their students with a fun and relevant way to connect future goals to realistic plans. Here’s a snapshot of their experience and the early impact of The Real Game.

Seminole County Public Schools

Sandy Fink, ePathways College & Career Specialist, first introduced The Real Game to a group of seniors who indicated they wanted to go into the workforce post-graduation. 

“An ‘aha!’ moment was when they finished with the simulation and completed their budget. Either A) They were shocked they had money left over and they could put money in savings or invest. Or B) It was negative, like $880 in the red. Then it was ‘Oh my goodness! I can’t afford the life I want, and I need to go back and actually examine it,’” she says.

Other students used the feature to weigh options between different career paths. Fink recalls a high schooler who was uncertain about pursuing a career as a physical therapist or an electrician. He used Xello to research the demand related education requirements, and salary for each profession and discovered he’d need less schooling and make $10,000 more a year as an electrician.

“Students are realizing how much money they could make and using the budget simulation in The Real Game to see what that means in a practical sense. They’re also asking, ‘Does this really match who I am and what I’m going to love, and my ability to make money and have a life that I want?’” says Fink.

“The fact that they can see how it all connects is giving them a better picture of who they are.”

Like all new technology, there can be resistance—even from educators. Fink won over science teachers and their students in one fell swoop with a hands-on demonstration of Xello and The Real Game.

“Once you get Xello into the classroom and you have them watch the kids do the About Me activities, assessments, inventories, and simulations, they see the power of it… then they’re sold,” she says. 

“When they see the relevancy of how Xello can impact the kids’ decision-making in their pathways, then you get the buy-in.”

Pinellas County Schools

Managing Officer of the School Counselling Department Valerie Santos notes that, for a generation accustomed to the instant gratification via the digital technology they grew up with, the reality of the “real” world could be a stark surprise. 

“Many students think that they’re going to leap out of college and make $100,000.”

She says The Real Game simulations help align their expectations and encourages them to deepen their self-reflection about what they want out of life. 

“One of my students realized that the job they want, no matter what level, was never going to pay what they anticipated. So we had a conversation about it. Could they make less money? Is that job really going to make them happy? Or is there something else out there where they could make more money and still have that fulfillment?”

After using The Real Game, Santos could see opportunities for further study on financial literacy. “It could be a 20-minute simulation that students can build on, research, and create presentations on for different careers and pathways. The possibilities are endless.”

Ready to learn more?

Let’s talk about how The Real Game could support your district’s CCR goals. For Xello clients, reach out to your Success Manager to learn more. Not a client? Let one of our Xello experts show you how purposeful planning leads to future success with The Real Game and Xello. Book your demo.

P.S. Did you see The Real Game live at ASCA 2025?

Xello was thrilled to attend ASCA 2025 in Long Beach, California this month to network with counselors, reconnect with familiar faces, and present a session on Purpose, Paychecks and Planning: What Students Really Want. 

The most exciting announcement of all was the unveiling of The Real Game at ASCA 2025, where educators were invited to the Xello booth to play the game for themselves. Stay tuned for the official launch of The Real Game and how to introduce it in your district!