A new Facebook social game that combines elements of an ARG (alternate reality game) and an RPG with video footage and serious messages is getting lots of attention this week. Set in a dystopian future, America 2049 charges players with confronting human-rights issues that plague the society. Players serve as agents in the Council on American Heritage, who deal with such issues as sex trafficking, racial discrimination, abortion, immigration, labor, religion and LGBT issues. This is all played out in storyline that spans 12 weeks.
The game was developed by human rights organization Breakthrough, which uses pop culture, media, and technology to create "widespread cultural awareness." The game itself was developed by two women designers, Heidi Boisvert and Andrea Phillips. They wrote 450 pages of script for 12 weeks of content. They also shot 70 videos, recorded 50 voiceovers, and more than 150 graphics - including posters and artifacts - that link key events in the game to incidents in American history.
"Protecting civil rights is the responsibility of all Americans. Our future depends on our civic involvement, and I'm excited that 'America 2049' will help educate young people about their power to change their world,” said actor/comedian Margaret Cho, who appears alongside Victor Garber (Alias), Cherry Jones (24), Anthony Rapp (Rent) and Harold Perrineau (Lost).
Some might not agree with some of the political messages in the game, but it is still an interesting way to bring serious messages about social issues to many people. You can check out the game at apps.facebook.com/twentyfortynine.
Source: Huffington Post
