Videogame
Serious games have been used for several decades in a wide range of training and educational contexts, from healthcare and flight simulation to improving numeracy and literacy. More recently, there has been a rise in the use of prosocial or advocacy games. These games go beyond merely teaching information or skills, to changing users’ attitudes and behaviour. This is achieved through a number of strategies, including imaginative empathy (putting yourself in someone else’s shoes), revealing the consequences of certain behaviours, and appeals for solidarity or active bystanding.
GenTOPIA is a digital game for young people based on realistic scenarios
It involves a series of interactive activities which address gender stereotypes, consent, digital safety, street harassment, coercive control, non-consensual image sharing, and homophobic bullying. The resource is designed for teachers who deliver subjects relating to issues of personal development, digital safety, gender equality and relationships and sexuality education.
Working with a range of interactive multimedia tools, teachers can help their students to tackle the prejudices which facilitate inequality, discrimination and abuse, thus promoting equality and inclusivity, and empowering students to live full and equal lives.
The key objectives of the game are to
Increase students’ awareness of gender inequality, stereotypes and discrimination.
Enable students to reflect on and discuss consent, digital safety and digital ethics.
Debunk myths, tackle prejudice, and provide positive role models.
Foster healthy relationships by tackling gender-based and sexual abuse and harassment.
Credits
Game credits
Game development: Atenea Projects Lda.
Game concept: GeGame project team and Atenea
Projects Lda.
Game script: Debbie Ging
Mini games and activities: Derek Laffan and Debbie Ging
Multimedia Handbook content: Debbie Ging and GeGame project team
Music: Creative Commons
Voiceovers
Alex: Anon
Alex’s father: Matthew Cullen
Alex’s mother: Anon
Jasmin: Baroness Toah
Jon: Jack Winterlich
Jude: Victor McClean
Kayla: Amelie O’Connor
Lia: Deksha Shankar
Lucas: Matthew Cullen
Marc: Gabe O’Connor
Mia: Debbie Ging
Noah: Ronan Sugrue
Tanya: Beth O’Brien
Teacher: Victor McClean
Zoe: Sally Sumola