Game Thesis

Introduction

I am undertaking a thesis this semester. It will incorporate theories of gamification and game design, and use HTML5 technologies to create a game that challenges attitudes about refugees and asylum seekers that is also fun to play. Overly ambitious? Very likely.

I want to talk about where I got inspired to do this as a thesis topic. First, some incredible TED talks by Gabe Zichermann and Jane McGonigal. Secondly, the discovery of some fantastic game projects that blur the line between ‘serious’ (a term often used to describe games made for training or educational purposes) and fun!

One of my favourites is The End Game, commissioned by BBC4 to teach kids about philosophies and attitudes towards death. Not only does it achieve this in a subtle and thought-provoking way, but the visuals and gameplay are incredible. At gamesforchange.org I discovered many other games, including some about refugees and asylum seekers, which is the subject matter I am aiming to cover in my game.

Another game that sparked my interest is on a smaller scope is ‘A Closed World’, which deals with issues of sexuality and gender. In their research statement, the developers from GAMBIT describe the goal of the research as exploring the challenges involved in creating a game with such compelling and ‘uncommon’ content. 

This is also one of the aims or my project, as I imagine that the subject matter I have chosen will present many challenges for the game design. However, time permitting, I would also like to examine user responses to the game, not just the design and gameplay but their reactions to the subject matter and any potential shift in attitudes that could occur.

I have also set myself the very optimistic goal of accomplishing all of this in one semester. Stay tuned (stay following?) to see if I can accomplish this, my biggest piece of academic writing, and my first foray into HTML5 game development, in under 6 months!