Image: Steam.com
Evolving era of video games: Games for a Cause
In a beautifully furnished apartment, cabinets, walls and tables are adorned with post-it notes, each one detailing tasks, reminders, warnings, and photographs. On the walls, blank picture frames appear, when interacted a detailed photograph reveal detailing snippets of memories.
The protagonist and player embark on a journey to piece together the fragments of the memories. The game is called Before I forget, it is a game that sensitizes players on the challenges that is faced by the individuals living with dementia.
A power to inspire, teach, entertain and educate are a few attributes of gaming. From past a few years there has been change in the way games are viewed, games and gamification have evolved beyond simple entertainment. They have become tools for creating social change and raising awareness about critical issues, educating players and even driving real-world impact. Mental health issues, sustainability and to supporting charitable cause and fostering empathy are a few themes on which games are being developed. Thus, in this blog, we will explore how the gaming industry is leveraging their unique platforms to make a positive difference in the community.
Gaming for Social Change
The concept of gaming has evolved in the recent years, realizing its potential for being a catalyst in the changing the perspectives of young and old minds. “Game for change” refers to video games that are designed and developed to address the societal challenges and to bring social awareness among the players.
The games mostly focus on pressing issues like climate change, poverty, mental health etc., offering players fun and an interactive way of understanding concepts. In contrary to the popular beliefs, video games have diversified its usage and have become trajectory of change. Indie game developers, small studios and solo creators are using new technologies to create something different and successful; it has become a platform driven to change.
Games are designed to reach a larger audience and from varied age ranges, thus games can be defined as a platform used to bring phenomenal changes and awareness about critical issues of the society.
It also uses varied different interfaces to create an interactive space, it combines storytelling, immersive experiences, and emotional and cognitive engagement which have proved to have a positive influence on the players, which can lead to the changing perspectives.
Social Entrepreneurship and Game Development
Games for a cause is a new theme or can also be defined as a wave that is sparkling new change in the field of social entrepreneurship. Educational institutions, non-profit organizations and independent developers are developing and using games for fun and also to sensitise players on various social issues that is grappling the society. These are used as a tool for advocacy and education.
The future of games for a cause is bright as there is a growing number of opportunities for developers and entrepreneurs to develop meaningful yet impactful games that have the potential to change the perspectives of the players. As technology evolves and continues to do so, there will be more immersive, accessible and engaging games that will serve as a catalyst to bridge the gap between entertainment and activism. The continued rise of mobile gaming, cloud gaming, and VR/AR technology will also make these games more widespread, allowing them to reach new audiences and effect change on a global scale.
Gaming is in the pursuit of being accepted as a legitimate tool for social cause and the collaboration between game developers and social organisation is expected to develop, thus leading way to more sophisticated and impactful games. The line that divides play, and activism will continue to blur, therefore leading to an era of games that are not only fun but also has a potential to change the world.
In conclusion, the evolving era of video games marks a significant shift toward social impact. Developers and players are creating games for a cause, the potential for gaming to influence real world issues and foster change will grow more and more. Perhaps, making it the most innovative change in the gaming world.