Play for Democracy Games Launch

Play for Democracy Games Launch

Empowering Youth Through Civic Engagement and Game Development: The Journey of Play for Democracy

 

Project Inception: July – August 2023

In July 2023, Arden team embarked on the Play for Democracy initiative with a mission to empower youth through civic engagement and game development. The project aimed to recruit 16 young people (aged 18-25) from diverse cities across Romania. Our goal was to assemble a dynamic group eager to explore the intersection of civic education and technology by developing a video game that that advocates for active participation and voting among other young people, youth and social workers. We were inspired by these passionate participants, volunteering their time amidst school commitments, they brought their dedication and enthusiasm to this transformative journey.

The Play for Democracy Camp: September 2023

Their journey truly began in September 2023 with the Play for Democracy Camp. This seven-day immersive experience brought together the 16 participants for a series of engaging workshops and activities. They delved into ideation, game design, project management, UX, and civic education, guided by experienced mentors. The camp was a blend of hands-on learning and mentorship, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of democratic values and active participation.

A highlight of the camp was the mentorship provided by industry professionals such as Ionut-Gabriel Solomon, Gabriel Stancu, Alexandru Padure, Ionuț Schmidt Eda Mologani, along with workshops on civic education led by Enache Flori Ramona. Their guidance and expertise were instrumental in shaping the participants’ projects and cultivating a spirit of innovation and collaboration.

For most of the project participants, this was their first experience in game development, making the camp an exhilarating and eye-opening introduction to the industry.

Game Development and Mentorship: October 2023 – May 2024

From October 2023 to May 2024, the participants focused on game development. They worked in teams to create two mobile video games: Demostate and Vote It.

The event held on November 17th marked a significant milestone for Play for Democracy. Here, the 16 participants of the program presented their game concepts and insights gathered during the camp. Organized as two independent studios, Balled Box Studio and Cyber Rebels, the teams showcased their exemplary involvement and demonstrated a remarkable learning curve.

Despite the challenges of remote collaboration from different cities, they managed to stay connected and productive. This phase was marked by continuous mentorship, personal development counselling, and specialized webinars that honed their technical skills and deepened their understanding of civic engagement. Balancing school and volunteering, the participants demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience. Their collaborative environment encouraged innovation and teamwork, resulting in the development of two mobile video games. Some participants even secured full-time positions in the game development industry during this period, a testament to their growing expertise and commitment.

Play for Democracy Game Launch Event: May 30, 2024

On May 30, 2024, we celebrated a significant milestone with the launch event for Play for Democracy. Held in Bucharest, this event gathered over 60 participants and showcased the culmination of months of hard work. The two teams presented their mobile video games —Demostate and Vote It — to an audience of mentors, stakeholders, and peers. The event highlighted their remarkable progress and the potential of these games to inspire active participation and voting. It was a heartfelt and proud moment for everyone involved, as we all recognized the dedication and passion that had fueled the creation of these games.

Demostate is a strategy game that challenges you to restore democracy in a fictional state.  Answer quiz questions correctly, Fight for Freedom, Equality, and Justice against the antagonist Felix

The Cyber Rebels team developed the game Demostate. The team consists of Andrei Boaje, Cosmin Ezariu, Cătălina Constantinescu, Andrei Toma, Răzvan Renghea, Denisa Luțic, Sorin Preda, and Bogdan Creciunescu.

Vote It is a captivating RPG where you climb the political ladder from an ordinary citizen to president in a universe full of adorable animals. Your decisions will influence the state of democracy and the level of corruption. Will you make the right choices?

The team behind Vote It is called Ballad Box and consists of Andrei Trifu, Bogdan Gherasim, Ami Rusu, Cosmin Alexandru Epure, Mihnea Dorobăț, and Teodor Luțoiu.

 

Download Demostate and Vote It and discover more, both are available on Google Play and App Store.

 

Dissemination Phase: June – August 2024

The final phase, from June to August 2024, focuses on dissemination and creating awareness about the project and the two video games. Our efforts aim to reach a broader audience, emphasizing the importance of active participation and the innovative use of technology in promoting democratic values. Through various channels and events, we strive to share the success of Play for Democracy and encourage more young people to participate in our society. The journey has been challenging yet rewarding, and we are committed to spreading the message of empowerment and active citizenship.

Together, we build a more inclusive and participatory society for all.

 

Takeaways:

“The participants added valuable experience to their CVs and proudly announced their roles on LinkedIn. Projects like these tackle the challenge of gaining experience when starting out.”

“Working remotely was tough, but with responsibility and commitment, we made it work brilliantly.”

“This project addresses the curiosity and drive of the younger generation to engage in meaningful, unconventional activities beyond just school.”

“The project’s framework is robust and adaptable. Whether creating a video game, or another initiative this model works great. It’s perfect for local initiatives, even in smaller cities.”

“Innovation and creativity are the project’s core. Remote work enables inclusivity, offering opportunities to all, no matter where they live.”

 

 #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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