Evokation - Solving Real-World Problems in Virtual Gamspace

The project I would like to work on would be to create an online simulation game that would mirror real world systemic problems and allow players to work together in order to create systemic solutions. The game would by playable through an internet connection or SMS messaging. There would be a crossover effect wherein real-world events (such as the BP Deepwater oil spill) would change outcomes within the game. Likewise, players would be encouraged to take in-game solutions out into the real world. Instances were real-world systemic solutions are effective could be mirrored in the game as well.

The intial phase of the project would be a research and feasability study. First of all I'd want to see if the game could be created inside an existing visual UI environment, such as Second Life. I'd also want to see if the existing environment provides options for text-based play. Finally I'd explore whether or not the text-based language could be integrated in SMS using Twitter's API.

In my dream scenario the game would be playable, and enjoyable to people with high bandwidth connections who could use a graphical UI. But the game would be equally playable and enjoyable to people who only have cell phone access via SMS. It would be international in scope, though unfortunately it might require some proficiency in English. I would certainly be open to having it be multilingual, but then we're talking about some serious funding.

A fallback position would be to use a text-only environment such as LamdaMOO.

This game would be targeted to young people ages 14-20, who are interested in challenges, puzzles, social networking and learning computer programming. The game environment could be played experientially, for instance once a player has created an avatar he or she can have a satisfying game experience by exploration, discovery, interaction with other characters and solving puzzles. Players who want to go deeper would be able to build their own environments using an object-oriented programming language, such as those provided by Linden or LamdaMOO.

I envision the game taking place in a virtual city that is monopolized by a large fossil fuel corporation. Players initially will create a shantytown on the outskirts of the city and set up their own economy and social structure. The challenge will be to get inside the city and find ways to combat pollution and other harmful effects of the urban environment. Once inside the city players will look for ways to empower themselves and change the system.

If I were to receive a $1000 grant for this project I would keep the money in an "escrow account" until I could reach a very rough prototype. If the game still seems feasible and I can find sufficient interest and perhaps interested backers, I would use the money to raise more support. Perhaps to hire a grant writer. If I discovered that the project was not feasible or is being satisfied by an existing project, then I would return the funds to the Evoke Team to be distributed elsewhere.