Would a Game Get You Involved in Planning Your City?

May 9, 2012
Share

Sharing is Caring

Which citizens? 

There’s a focus on the tech-savvy and sometimes less-involved 18- to 35-year-olds. 

What sort of game? 

The game, titled Detroit 24-7, involves “missions,” one for each of the three weeks it runs. They are titled: “Share Your Detroit,” “Living in Detroit,” and “Getting Around Detroit.” During the mission, players complete mission challenges to collect flags. Those flags are pinned on a map of the city to indicate what players feel should be priorities in different areas. The flags can represent arts and culture, entrepreneurship, public transportation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

Where did the game come from?

The Knight Foundation provided funding and Boston-based Community PlanIt developed the game. The company ran a pilot in the Boston public schools for 500 youth and adults. In 31 days the group submitted 4600 comments. The game creators found that young people want to participate in such efforts, but do not want to stand up and speak at meetings. According to officials in Detroit, the city is the first to use such a game for long-term planning.

Are there prizes?

Top prizes include HD video cameras for top point earners (adult and youth) and for a randomly drawn top 50 point earner. Those with the most achievement badges will be entered in drawings for gift certificates from local businesses.

What happens when the game ends?

On June 6, Detroit Works will host a city-wide meeting for players and others to continue the conversation. Detroit Works will use the data collected in a report to Mayor Dave Bing.

Xconomy

Share

Sharing is Caring


Geospatial Newsletters

Keep up to date with the latest geospatial trends!

Sign up

Search DM

Get Directions Magazine delivered to you
Please enter a valid email address
Please let us know that you're not a robot by using reCAPTCHA.
Sorry, there was a problem submitting your sign up request. Please try again or email editors@directionsmag.com

Thank You! We'll email you to verify your address.

In order to complete the subscription process, simply check your inbox and click on the link in the email we have just sent you. If it is not there, please check your junk mail folder.

Thank you!

It looks like you're already subscribed.

If you still experience difficulties subscribing to our newsletters, please contact us at editors@directionsmag.com