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.  Read More

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

Register

How to get to Serious Games Event

Closest Tubes are Old Street (take exit 2, 7 minutes) and Liverpool Street (15min)
Google Map link

Part of the Game Based Learning Conference 2010 – March 29th – March 30th

Game Based Learning 2010 takes place over two full days and includes an evening social event to make valuable connections in a relaxed environment. With a main conference programme running during these two days combined with breakout sessions for special interest groups there is something for everyone with an interest in using gaming and social media technology to improve learning, teaching and training.