That was the title of a panel I attended tonight at A.U. It questioned how online games are mobilizing audiences around social issues? The panel explored how video games can double as tools for conflict resolution, and maybe even save the environment!
Here are a few examples:
PeaceMaker
challenges you to succeed as a leader where others have failed. Experience the joy of bringing peace to the Middle East or the agony of plunging the region into disaster. PeaceMaker will test your skills, assumptions and prior knowledge. Play it and you will never read the news the same way again.
http://www.peacemakergame.com/
In February they are launching a closed beta of its new online product: “Play the News”, imagine if you will Fantasy Sports meets the Evening News. As a player you can choose your role and participate in a variety of real events: domestic, global, serious news as well as softer issues and entertainment. You can gain a deeper understanding of the day’s headlines while voicing your opinion. You will be measured vs. reality as well as against the performance of other community members.
FOOD FORCE
Download food-force-flier-front.pdf (96k)
Download food-force-flier-back.pdf (75k)
ICED
Breakthrough’s video game, (COMING SOON) puts you in the shoes of an immigrant to illustrate how unfair immigration laws deny due process and violate human rights. These laws affect all immigrants: legal residents, those fleeing persecution, students and undocumented people. Learn about the issue here.
Columbine
http://www.columbinegame.com/
A new documentary about opposition to Columbine Game:
http://www.playingcolumbine.com/
http://www.playingcolumbine.com/promo/PC30sec.mp4
Worthy Mouse Clicks 