Hello, fellow adventurers in the ecological realm!
Throughout our game design journey for Policy Forum Guyana’s “River Guardians,” we have explored a multitude of collaborative and creative landscapes. Every twist and turn has brought us closer to our goal: creating an immersive gaming experience that educates and empowers the youth of Guyana to become stewards of their precious river ecosystems.
Our initial collaborative call with the team at Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) was a lively and enthusiastic exchange of ideas, dreams, and aspirations. However, as we continued with the project, we faced a few challenges to overcome. One particular challenge involved comprehending the wide range of individuals for whom the game is designed.
We decided to look at what current resources there were in the learning environment that could be used to support the transition of knowledge that could be gained through reading and games.
Originally intended for 7th to 11th graders, we discovered that River Guardians had also been trialed with younger students in primary school. This discovery led to an important realization: the game had to be adaptable to captivate players of all ages and with varying educational backgrounds.
An ongoing problem that arose during testing was player fatigue with reading instructions on playing cards. Upon further investigation, it became clear that this was not just a result of the text’s complexity, but rather a reflection of a larger cultural context. Guyana, similar to other locations, possesses its own distinct literacy landscape, where a robust reading culture may not always be widespread.
In order to tackle this challenge, we set out on a mission to integrate storytelling into the essence of River Guardians. Stories possess a remarkable power to enchant and engage, surpassing the limitations of age and literacy. Introducing Benita, the remarkable director of PFG, who generously shared with us a collection of captivating stories called “33 Amerindian Tales.”
These captivating stories, filled with cultural heritage and ecological wisdom, were our guiding lights. Exploring the rich tapestry of Guyanese folklore, we discovered a wealth of inspiration for the game mechanics, character development, and thematic elements in River Guardians.
While exploring the enchanting realms of the “33 Amerindian Tales,” we discovered invaluable insights that profoundly influenced our game. Every story served as a guiding light, shedding light on ways to comprehend, empathize, and take action in the battle to safeguard Guyana’s rivers.
Emerging from a deep collaboration, a game has been created that goes beyond age, literacy, and cultural boundaries. It is a game where each player becomes a hero in the grand saga of river conservation. River Guardians is more than just a game; it is an exciting journey that beckons you to unite and protect the vital ecosystems of Guyana.
Join us on this ecological adventure as we strive to bring River Guardians to life. Let us embark on a journey, embracing the winds of change, and crafting tales of optimism and strength along the shores of Guyana’s powerful rivers.
Stay tuned for more updates from the frontlines of game design, where every move and narrative brings us closer to a brighter, greener future for all.
Until our paths cross again, fellow protectors of the river,
Peniel
