A few truths about techies: there are those who are inspired to change the world with the latest developments, and there are those who will find a way to make a game of any opportunity. Then there are those people who exist in the center of that Venn diagram - they are the pioneers of serious games. The definition of serious games may be considered self-explanatory, but they are often also perceived as oxymoronic. It has also been argued it is redundant, as many gamers consider themselves serious players. The use of games for skill development presumably dates back to the dawn of civilization. Children naturally practice critical thinking, problem-solving, empathy, and a host of other skills that will be explored further in this proposal. Encouraging play about serious issues shouldn’t be seen as trivializing the topic because introducing lessons and challenges in sandbox environments allows players to gain more experience in controlled environments.
Program and Policy Playground, also called Px3, is a serious, narrative-driven simulation game that puts players in the role of a policy maker or social service planner within a rural community. The game focuses on a societal crisis, such as a surge in domestic violence cases or a public health emergency, and challenges players to make critical decisions that impact the well-being of vulnerable populations. The objective of the game is to navigate through the complexities of policy advocacy, stakeholder negotiation, and resource management to build and implement an effective emergency shelter program in response to the crisis. Through interactive decision-making, strategic dialogues, and scenario-based challenges, players will experience the process of creating change in a real-world social context while managing public opinion, limited resources, and diverse interests.
The target audience is anybody interested in social issues, policy-making, simulation games, and those seeking to understand complex social systems in a hands-on, interactive way. The game tackles real-world crises like domestic violence or public health emergencies, requiring players to implement meaningful policy solutions and assess long-term impact. The player’s choices affect the unfolding of the story, with unique outcomes based on their interactions with stakeholders and the policies they choose to implement. The game features a diverse set of characters including government officials, non-profits, community members, law enforcement, and more, each with distinct goals and priorities. Players develop a set of skills like negotiation, empathy, and crisis management, which influence their decision-making and interactions with other characters.
Players engage in dialogue with different stakeholders (e.g., community members, business leaders, advocates) to gather support for the chosen policy. The player’s relationship with these stakeholders influences outcomes. After a policy is chosen, the player must manage its implementation while responding to public opinion, new data, and feedback from key players. Based on player choices, the program’s success or failure is evaluated, and the player receives feedback that impacts their reputation and progress. Dialogue choices impact the relationship between the player and stakeholders. Some conversations involve persuading stakeholders, while others focus on resolving conflicts or building trust. Certain dialogues or challenges require skills (e.g., persuasion, empathy, analysis) that the player can develop over time. Skills affect both dialogue success and policy outcomes. The player must manage a budget to fund their shelter, outreach programs, and other initiatives. Allocating resources wisely is key to long-term success.The player can hire and manage various roles, such as counselors, grant writers, or case managers. Each staff member has unique abilities that impact the overall success of the shelter. mThe player collects and uses items such as research materials, letters of support, and evidence, which provide valuable context for making informed decisions. Players build affinities with various groups (e.g., victim advocacy groups, business leaders, local government), which unlock new opportunities and abilities as they progress.
Diverse NPCs with individual objectives and policies, including victims, educators, law enforcement, business owners, and government officials. Players must balance competing interests and align stakeholders to succeed in implementing their policies. Multiple potential policy paths are available, such as a “no-drop” policy, mandated reporting, or restorative justice programs. Players must analyze each proposal's impact and navigate public relations and legal ramifications. Quests involve specific tasks or problems, such as raising public awareness, securing funding, or developing training programs.
The player will experience a blend of strategic decision-making, narrative exploration, and emotional engagement as they tackle social crises. The game’s dynamic world-building encourages experimentation, with consequences for both successful and failed policies.