The Block'hood Video Game Encourages Thinking About Sustainable Growth
M — May 17, 2016 — Art & Design
References: store.steampowered & fastcodesign
To help consumers become more aware of issues surrounding sustainable growth and building development, architect Jose Sanchez has put together a video game with the educational theme surrounding ecological urban growth. The game, called Block'hood, allows consumers of all age groups to experiment with virtual building and designing of cities in a vertical layout.
While Block'hood might remind some of the famed city planning game SimCity, the Block'hood differs in the style of building. Rather than designing cities based on wide-spread growth, Block'hood tackles the relevant issue of space, and encourages players to build urban blocks vertically. The resources available for users to build are also realistic, drawing on the idea that resources are finite. Users only have so much to pull from when putting their cities together, making the game a realistic and educational way to explore sustainable development.
While Block'hood might remind some of the famed city planning game SimCity, the Block'hood differs in the style of building. Rather than designing cities based on wide-spread growth, Block'hood tackles the relevant issue of space, and encourages players to build urban blocks vertically. The resources available for users to build are also realistic, drawing on the idea that resources are finite. Users only have so much to pull from when putting their cities together, making the game a realistic and educational way to explore sustainable development.
Trend Themes
1. Vertical Urban Planning - Opportunity for developers to create educational games that encourage sustainable vertical growth.
2. Eco-friendly Gaming - The integration of ecological themes into games creating an avenue for more immersive environmental education.
3. Limited Resource Management - Creating games that simulate resource scarcity and management for users to become more aware of sustainability choices.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Industry - The video game industry has an opportunity to expand into the educational gaming space while promoting awareness of sustainability.
2. Urban Planning Industry - Innovations in urban planning tools that incorporate educational simulation games extend participation in sustainable development.
3. Educational Institutions - Institutions can capitalize on the gamification of urban planning to create more immersive and engaging sustainability education programs.
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