In this case, I think this game is an example of a positive and potentially effective way of provoking change. But, not all online games that presume to effectively and positively contribute to change actually do. I think there were plenty of games that exemplified this second instance, and it required a lot of searching to find games that reflected any sort of acquirement of agency or awareness embedded in the framework of the game. Like every other online resource we have been exposed to through this course, there are positive and negative aspects to online gaming; it has the potential to empower or destroy. I think that in the future, online gaming will become even more prevalent, and along with this, I hope to see more games that empower and inform people.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The long search: finding games that actually effectively inform or educate
I had a hard time finding games that actually worked on the Social Impact Games site, multiple times I clicked the link of what I thought would be an interesting game and experienced some kind of error. But I did find one that I thought brought awareness through playing the game. I played Darfur is Dying. For people who are unaware of the situation in Darfur, I think this is a good way to bring awareness and introduce the topic. Of course, the game does reveal an agenda when a page pops up saying different ways you can help in real life, like writing a letter to the president. I always question anything that is pushing an agenda, even if it is to promote positive change.
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I also played the "Dafur is Dying" video game... At first I was unsure of what to think of a video game depicting the horrific lives of real people. I speculated whether I was being "disrespectful" and "insensible" when I participated in this game. Sitting at my computer, I was leisurely choosing which objectified Darfurain I would play with. However as I began playing, running to the well and hiding from the men with guns on trucks, a wave of emotion came over me. This was no game. The slight itch of fear and unsettlement that I felt while clicking my keyboard directing my Darfurian boy was significant. I was put into a 99% watered-down version of their situation, and I felt terrible. This emotion has not always been ignited from the endless images I see (perhaps i have become numb or indifferent). Regardless, this game gave me empathy and anger: it launched concern inside me for the lives these poor people are faced with.
I also played the "Dafur is Dying" video game... At first I was unsure of what to think of a video game depicting the horrific lives of real people. I speculated whether I was being "disrespectful" and "insensible" when I participated in this game. Sitting at my computer, I was leisurely choosing which objectified Darfurain I would play with. However as I began playing, running to the well and hiding from the men with guns on trucks, a wave of emotion came over me. This was no game. The slight itch of fear and unsettlement that I felt while clicking my keyboard directing my Darfurian boy was significant. I was put into a 99% watered-down version of their situation, and I felt terrible. This emotion has not always been ignited from the endless images I see (perhaps i have become numb or indifferent). Regardless, this game gave me empathy and anger: it launched concern inside me for the lives these poor people are faced with.
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