COMING SOON!
Game Summary:
Welcome to Rebuilding Lives: Finding a Place in the Sun, an educational video game that takes you through the challenging but hopeful world of houselessness, mental health, and community support. In this game, you play as Maria, a passionate community advocate who wants to make a real difference in the lives of people facing challenging situations.
As Maria, your mission is to help people like David who are trying to survive without a stable home. Through your actions, you’ll learn the importance of understanding others’ feelings (empathy), using data to make smart decisions, and how communities can create lasting change. Your ultimate goal is to start a street hero program that brings mental health help directly to the people who need it right where they feel most comfortable.
Educational Objectives:
Through Rebuilding Lives: Finding a Place in the Sun, players will:
1. Identify Local Support Services: Learn to list and understand the purposes of social service organizations and community groups in your area.
2. Analyze Community Resources: Learn to examine and critique the resources available in your community, like shelters and mental health services.
3. Build Strong Arguments for Change: Learn to research, develop, and present convincing arguments to gain support from a broad audience.
Rebuilding Lives: Finding a Place in the Sun is more than just a game—it’s a learning experience that encourages you to think critically about social issues, data, and community action. As you guide Maria on her mission, you’ll better understand the real-world challenges of houselessness and mental health, and you’ll be part of a meaningful cause that can make a real difference.
Get ready to start a journey of discovery, empathy, and change. The entire adventure is waiting, and every decision you make will help bring us closer to a brighter future for everyone.
Target Audience
& Platform:
This game is targeted to 15 to 25-year-olds for academic use. While we hope to attract a wider adult audience, we believe advertising in academic settings is more focused and achievable on a limited budget.
Our game will be a simple point-and-click format that can be played on PC, MAC, or phone. It will be rated M for Mature due to the serious nature of the content. The game will be in 3D.
Character Descriptions:
Maria (The Player Character)
Maria is a caring and resourceful community advocate. She firmly believes that small, local efforts can make a big difference. Maria is determined to connect houseless people with the services they need. She’s your guide on this journey, making choices that will affect the lives of the characters you meet.
David (A Houseless Individual in Need)
David is a kind but tired man living on the streets for years. He’s hesitant to seek help because of bad experiences with shelters and other services. When you interact with David, you’ll discover the complex reasons behind his choices, and your goal is to find a solution that works for him.
Danny (Shelter Worker)
Danny works at a local shelter and understands the struggles of people like David. He wants to help, but the shelter doesn’t have enough resources. Danny helps Maria see where the current system falls short.
Susan (Librarian)
Susan is a librarian who offers more than just books—she provides a safe place for people looking for a break from the streets. She’s a valuable ally in Maria’s quest to find creative solutions and knows the local community well.
Tim (City Council Member)
Tim is a politician who can influence local policies. He supports Maria’s cause but faces political pressure. To convince Tim to back the street hero program, you must use solid data and gain community support.
Elvira (Police Officer)
Elvira is a police officer who often deals with houseless individuals during her patrols. She understands the mental health challenges on the streets and could be an advocate for the street hero program if she sees its value.
Billy (Mental Health Professional)
Billy is a mental health professional who believes in unconventional approaches. He supports meeting people where they are physically and mentally and is eager to help Maria set up the street hero program.
Esmeralda (Non-Profit President)
Esmeralda runs a non-profit focused on first-time home buyers with jobs. Maria convinces her to take on the Housing First agenda and focus on houselessness and mental health. She provides Maria with resources and expertise to help set up the new program. Esmeralda’s support is crucial for making the street hero initiative a reality.
