1. Ayiti: The Cost of Life
What issue does the game explore?
This game explores the issue of real people and families who struggle just to make a living, take care of their children and themselves, get an education, and have a comfortable life.
Does it do a good job of exploring the social issue?
I think it really does. The first time I played the game, I sent the children to school and the parents to work, but I quickly ran out of money because school is expensive. So, when I played the second time, I had one parent go to work, and the rest of the family working on the farm to make money so the family could afford education, but the family's health began to deteriorate and they couldn't make enough money to go to doctors or even buy home remedies. I think a lot of players will approach the game with an idea they are sure will work out, but when they realize it's not that easy, they realize just how hard it is in real life for real people facing these issues.
Is this game fun or compelling to play?
It is; I feel compelled to keep trying until I can make it work. I feel like there must be something I can do, things I can make the family in the game do to keep them alive, healthy, and happy, and eventually get an education. I did survive all four years, but all but one of the family members dies halfway through. I didn't feel like I really "won" the game because of that. Pretty much no one was left. I want to go back and play again, and try to keep the whole family alive. I wonder if it's possible to do...?
What issue does the game explore?
This game explores the issue of real people and families who struggle just to make a living, take care of their children and themselves, get an education, and have a comfortable life.
Does it do a good job of exploring the social issue?
I think it really does. The first time I played the game, I sent the children to school and the parents to work, but I quickly ran out of money because school is expensive. So, when I played the second time, I had one parent go to work, and the rest of the family working on the farm to make money so the family could afford education, but the family's health began to deteriorate and they couldn't make enough money to go to doctors or even buy home remedies. I think a lot of players will approach the game with an idea they are sure will work out, but when they realize it's not that easy, they realize just how hard it is in real life for real people facing these issues.
Is this game fun or compelling to play?
It is; I feel compelled to keep trying until I can make it work. I feel like there must be something I can do, things I can make the family in the game do to keep them alive, healthy, and happy, and eventually get an education. I did survive all four years, but all but one of the family members dies halfway through. I didn't feel like I really "won" the game because of that. Pretty much no one was left. I want to go back and play again, and try to keep the whole family alive. I wonder if it's possible to do...?
EDIT: I did keep playing later, and I did manage to have all family members live successfully through the four years.
Can a game be fun and be good at exploring social issue? How?
The fun in this game comes from successfully completing a season in good health, having made some money. The exploration of the social issue comes from the challenge of making that happen, the challenge of taking what little you have and trying to make something more of it.
Can a game be fun and be good at exploring social issue? How?
The fun in this game comes from successfully completing a season in good health, having made some money. The exploration of the social issue comes from the challenge of making that happen, the challenge of taking what little you have and trying to make something more of it.
2. How do the following issues affect your local community?
- Poverty
- Health
- Environment
- Education
All of these issues are present in every community in one form or another. Some more than others, some less. And they all affect one another. Poverty can keep people from higher education and good health care, and it can keep communities from having environmental improvement programs. The environment affects the health of people. If people don't have good health, it can be hard to go to school or work. They are all connected, woven into the same web.
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