STRAWPOLIS
Description
Strawpolis is a collaborative, environmentally-themed game set in England at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, a pivotal moment when human impact on nature became significant. Players navigate the delicate balance between human activity and nature's well-being within a diverse ecosystem of forests, urban areas, and mountains. As politicians advocating for growth-driven policies or environmental protection, players are placed in specific categories shaping gameplay. The goal? To maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem while fostering human activity and development.
Main skill developed
Game Design
Context
3-month school project
Year
2022
Challenges
Consequence Indicators
Challenge : Communicating the impact of player choices.
Solution : Designed visual feedback like changing landscapes or buildings.
User Education
Challenge : Teaching complex concepts, both ecological and economic.
Solution : Developed interactive tutorials on key concepts.
Multiplayer Collaboration
Challenge : Engaging debates among diverse players.
Solution : Integrated a debate system with balanced teams, offering various formats for strategic discussions and player engagement.
Strategic Interfaces
Challenge : Designing intuitive decision-making tools.
Solution : Implemented data visualizations for informed choices.
DYNAMIC ECOSYSTEMS
Challenge : Creating a realistic 3D map reacting to player actions.
Solution : Implemented a simulation impacting wildlife and habitats.
Hybrid Gameplay Approach
Challenge : Designing a hybrid operating model for gameplay.
Solution : Implemented a mode with screens for map and debate info, phone use for voting and specific indicators.
OUTCOMES
Strawpolis stands as a testament to the power of collaborative design in creating meaningful, educational, and engaging gaming experiences. By combining immersive 3D environments, intuitive UI/UX design, compelling storytelling, and dynamic gameplay mechanics, the game empowers players to explore the complexities of environmental stewardship and democratic governance. Through strategic decision-making, thoughtful debates, and impactful choices, players emerge with a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between human progress and ecological preservation.