February 22nd and March 25th 2010 – London
From high profile subjects such as counter terrorism, rape, knife crime and drug abuse to lower octane offences on governance and dealing effectively with grievances – games are gaining ground as a medium of choice for engagement on difficult issues.
The aims of this event:
In this session we look at a range of gaming examples from the UK and abroad dealing with subjects such as preventing violent extremism, drug use, gang violence and drink driving. Topics include the following:
- Experience a more in-depth view on how serious games are contributing to preventing violent extremism.
- Exploring the solutions and benefits of serious games on major campaigns such as knife crime, drugs and gang culture.
- Discover how gaming technology can help reach younger generations on key issues.
Serious games for schools and how youngsters have responded to the recent release of the game choices and voices. - Discussions on the benefits games and simulations.
Examples of types of games featured in the session includes :
Tackling Knife Crime
Image from Knife City Campaign by London Metropolitan Police
The 2005/06 campaign saw “Knife City”, a mock computer game demo that blends cutting-edge computer generated images (cgi) with real life footage. It illustrated the tragic personal and criminal consequences of carrying a knife.
Drug and Gang Culture
Image from channel 4 television
In this full 3D game produced exclusively for Channel 4′s ‘Disarming Britain’ season you play on both sides of the law, as Keith Wilcox, a new gang recruit caught in a deadly situation he can’t handle, and Detective Jameson, an officer investigating a gang killing that’s turning up nothing but dead ends.
Preventing Violent Extremism
Image from Choices and Voices by Playgen
Choices and Voices is an interactive simulation that encourages young people to explore and discuss the underlying issues and adverse influences, which can lead to divisions and tensions in communities.