“Layoff: The Game” Lets You Pick Workers to Be Axed
Marissa Brassfield — March 20, 2009 — Tech
References: tiltfactor.org & gamepolitics
As the saying goes, if life hands you layoffs, play “Layoff: The Game.” I definitely just made up that maxim, but TiltFactor’s online game has already gone viral. According to GamePolitics, it’s meant to mimic the economic meltdown and make light of the abundant layoffs that have swept the nation.
“Layoff: The Game” was developed by the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Game Design and Development program and Professor Mary Flanagan, the Digital Humanities Chair at Dartmouth College. With addicting gameplay that resembles “Bejeweled,” another insanely popular game, there’s no reason “Layoff: The Game” won’t become the preferred workplace time-waster, tout de suite.
“Layoff: The Game” was developed by the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Game Design and Development program and Professor Mary Flanagan, the Digital Humanities Chair at Dartmouth College. With addicting gameplay that resembles “Bejeweled,” another insanely popular game, there’s no reason “Layoff: The Game” won’t become the preferred workplace time-waster, tout de suite.
Trend Themes
1. Online Layoff Games - Opportunity for game developers to create more online games that mimic real-life economic scenarios and layoffs.
2. Satirical Workplace Gaming - Potential for developing satirical workplace games that provide a lighthearted way to cope with stressful work environments and job insecurity.
3. Gamification of Economic Issues - Growing trend of using gamification to raise awareness and promote discussions about economic issues, such as layoffs and recessions.
Industry Implications
1. Game Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity for game developers to create entertaining and educational games centered around workplace scenarios.
2. Workplace Wellness - Potential for incorporating satirical games into workplace wellness programs to alleviate stress and improve employee morale.
3. Economic Education - Opportunity for educational institutions and organizations to use gamified approaches to teach economic concepts and spark interest in economics.
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