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Play for Democracy: Sparking Change, One Game at a Time

Play for Democracy: Sparking Change, One Game at a Time

 

At Arden we craft experiences that resonate deeply with our communities. Play for Democracy stands as a testament to this commitment, embodying our belief that technology and creativity can drive meaningful change.

 

The Heart of the Project

Imagine a group of 16 young people, each facing their own challenges, coming together from different corners of Romania. They are dreamers, innovators, and future leaders. Through “Play for Democracy,” these young individuals not only learned about democratic values—they lived them. The project was an invitation to take ownership of the future.

Guided by mentors, the 16 project participants embarked on a journey that combined the technical intricacies of game development with the profound impact of civic education. The games they developed became vessels of their passion, creativity, and newfound knowledge—each level, a step closer to empowering others to vote and engage in their communities.

 

Collaboration is the Key

Play for Democracy” thrived on collaboration. It wasn’t just about what these young people could achieve individually, but what they could create together. Though it was most of the times a challenge,  in their teams, they discovered the strength of collective problem-solving and the beauty of shared visions. With the support of mentors, they transformed their ideas into reality, learning not just technical skills but also the art of communication, empathy, and leadership.

Reflections and Growth

While “Play for Democracy” was a resounding success, it also taught us invaluable lessons. We realized the importance of flexibility in scheduling to accommodate our  varied lives. We saw the potential for expanding our mentorship network, perhaps even bringing in voices from beyond Romania to enrich the learning experience further.

This project offered profound lessons beyond technical skills — lessons rooted in personal development and self-awareness. Understanding our psyche, the complex workings of our minds, and the continuous exploration of our inner worlds were pivotal in building resilience and confidence. It was a reminder for all of us, that growth comes from within, and that by exploring our internal landscapes, we equip ourselves to face external challenges with strength and clarity. This introspective journey was (and always will be)  crucial for everyone involved, reinforcing the importance of nurturing our inner selves to thrive in our collective efforts.

A Commitment to Sustainability

At Arden, compassion for the world around us is a core value, and this project was no exception. Every aspect of “Play for Democracy” was designed with sustainability in mind. From the use of digital tools like Trello and Discord to minimize waste, to the thoughtful planning of events where reusable materials were prioritized, every detail reflected our commitment to a greener future.

A Vision for the Future

Play for Democracy is a proof of concept. It showed us, and our comunities, that video games can be powerful tools for social impact, engaging young people in ways that are both meaningful and fun. This project lays the foundation for future initiatives at Arden, where we will continue to humanise technology, using creativity to address pressing social issues of our time.

The Ripple Effect

As the project draws to a close, the impact of Play for Democracy  goes beyond its participants. It’s a ripple in the water, set to spread far and wide. It’s a story of what happens when young people are given the tools, the guidance, and the opportunity to turn their passions into platforms for social good. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on these strong foundations, eager to bring more innovative and impactful experiences to life.

 #PlayForDemocracy #GamesForChange #GenZ #ErasmusPlus #GameDev #CivicGames #SocialImpact#YouthEmpowerment #VoteIt #Demostate

 

Play for Democracy is a project developed and implemented by Arden, with the support of its partners, and funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Program.

Arden is a non-profit charity of the game development community, pursuing educational and cultural programs for social impact.

We aim to nurture future generations by facilitating alternative education programs. And we explore our culture’s views, beliefs, and practices through creative arts as physical representations.

PFD is a youth participation project (ages 18-25) taking place from July 2023 to August 2024. The initiative is dedicated to young people with civic spirit and a passion for video games, aiming to encourage the younger generation to become active citizens, both through voting and other forms of civic engagement.

***The project is funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Program. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the National Agency for Community Programmes in the Field of Education and Vocational Training. Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.


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