Using Computer Games to Support Democracy and Conflict Resolution

From the creator

Video games can be fun to play. They also can teach people how to settle conflicts peacefully. This is a video game called Food Force. It can be downloaded from the Web site of the World Food Program. The groups Jennifer Parmalee says the game shows children the difficulty of getting food to areas of conflict. JENNIFER PARMALEE: It helps them feel like they can be part of a solution. Thats something empowering and fun for them. Another video game is called A Force More Powerful. It takes place in a city similar to Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia. Ivan Marovic designed the game. Ten years ago, he organized protests against Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. The president resigned after disputed election results in two thousand. He was arrested on war crimes charges, but died before his trial was completed. Marovic says his game shows non-violent ways to help remove oppressive governments. IVAN MAROVIC: Like strikes, boycotts, civil disobedience, street protests, in order to force the regime to either concede or to step down. Marovic says another goal is to win public support. He says the goal is to win the loyalty of people who support the government. Another goal is to keep up the interest of your current supporters. This game deals with the situation in Darfur, Sudan. The conflict in Darfur has displaced three million people. A Web site called Second Life was used to create the Darfur video game. Players can build their own make-believe world

Published 2009-10-16 · Watch on YouTube ↗
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