Climate, social challenges: gaming helps society move forward
Tijdens Breda Game Week krijgen bezoekers een inkijkje in de laatste innovaties in de gamewereld.
Published on November 20, 2024
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Addiction and social isolation: gaming hasn't always had the best reputation. But gaming is much more than that. That becomes clear to anyone who visits Breda Game Week, which is currently in full swing. From addressing the climate crisis to raising awareness around LGBTI issues, “Games are playing an increasing role in addressing societal challenges,” says Leon de Rooij, Game Week organizer and director of Playgrounds.
Some quietly play a game of Patience at the kitchen table, while others prefer to do an exciting shooter with friends. Gaming is an integral part of our leisure time: almost half of the Dutch population plays games daily. The industry has a major impact on our culture and economy.
A changing industry
We can very well use games to solve today's challenges. Making an impact is even better with new technologies and innovations that have dramatically changed the gaming industry in recent years, notes De Rooij. “AI is hovering over the industry. But technologies such as real-time rendering, where images and effects are generated directly during the game, are also making an appearance.”
Such innovations are also affecting game production processes. Where it used to take years to make a game, it now takes no time at all. That effect also seeps into investments. “Instead of pouring huge budgets into a single project, investors are increasingly choosing smaller studios that can innovate faster and apply new technologies faster. In other words, small studios now have the opportunity to benefit from technology,” De Rooij said. In recent years, the revenue of Dutch game companies grew by an average of about 18%.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands plays a prominent role in the global game industry. Guerilla Games, based in Amsterdam, for example, is known for major titles such as Horizon Zero Dawn and Killzone. There are also several successful indie studios that stand out with innovative and popular games. The Netherlands also offers high-quality education. Breda University of Applied Sciences ranks third in the top five best game courses in the world.
Numerous examples
Breda in particular is a hotspot for the gaming industry. “We have a huge talent pool of game developers and also develop the most innovative game technologies here. And that all comes together during Breda Game Week.”
This week will once again highlight how games provide greater insight into social issues. Take Iris van der Meulen's “Gay Simulator” which offers users a unique experience that promotes empathy and understanding for the queer community. Through virtual reality (VR), players experience the prejudices that often accompany queer identity, sparking conversations about diversity.
In addition, VR is widely used to advance health care. One example is the Dutch collective MONOBANDA, which is developing VR experiences to help young people cope with stress. During the VR session, for example, they learn new breathing techniques.
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Breda as a gaming hotspot
Gaming is an important spearhead for the municipality of Breda. “It's not just fun,” says Alderman Carla Kranenborg-van Eerd (Economy, Innovation and Digitalization). “In Breda, we are putting a lot of effort into applied technology and creativity. Gaming is an important part of that. And gaming also offers not only economic opportunities, it also strengthens social connection and helps to tackle social challenges innovatively.”
Apart from Breda Game Week, the municipality wants to give gaming a permanent place in the city, explains Joke Veenstra - Van der Spil, project leader of Innovation District Gaming in Breda. “Last week we launched the B'GAME Incubator, with an official opening during Game Week. With this, starting game builders can rent a space cheaply and they can get support there.” Breda also has an Esports Talent Hub, where they have all the knowledge to help Esports talents and pros get the best out of themselves.
Breda also has more than 4,000 Dutch and international students in video games, esports, digital arts, leisure, and related fields. Like Avans Creative Innovation with undergraduate and graduate education in art, design, technology, and economics. Veenstra - Van der Spil continues: “We work closely with Avans and BUas educations and Play the City, for example, to involve citizens in designing urban environments. With Serious Games we can show what the city might look like in a number of years. We virtually load in the city, allowing citizens to actively participate and experience how future changes will manifest themselves.”
This makes it possible to make scenarios much more concrete, she explains. Citizens experience the impact of changes, such as climate change or inaccessible access roads. Other aspects such as innovative forms of transportation can also be included in this virtual city. “VR thus increases citizens' involvement in the city,” she says.
Learning new things
And this is just a small selection from a large collection of games that advance society. In short: “Gaming is so much more than just fun,” concludes De Rooij. The Breda Game Week lasts until next Sunday. See the program here.