Somatosensory experiences beyond the audio-visual, such as haptics, should be intentionally incorporated into pedagogical designs within serious games. Creating alternative controllers for serious games that externally represent domain-specific tools and concepts in their design can enhance learner competence within the field while fostering professional self-identification and belonging. Alternative game controllers that enable domain-specific embodied interactions can thus promote a learner’s intrinsic motivation and technical knowledge as they digitally engage with the field of study. Embodied game interactions (EGIs) are mapped interactions that engage the learner directly and physically throughout gameplay, bridging game mechanics with learning mechanics. Applying the technological underpinnings of tangible user interfaces to learning theories and serious game design can augment how learners interact with and understand the material at hand, providing opportunities for near knowledge transfer in real-life situations.