The development of the 9th instalment in the Arabia Felix serious game series saw us embark on an exciting journey, exploring the theme of non-violent communication. This essential skill becomes increasingly significant in today’s complex and often polarized world. Yasmeen, an 18-year-old character in the game, serves as a conduit for players to learn and understand this art as she navigates the challenges of her everyday life.
Collaborative Development:
The creation of this game required a multidisciplinary collaboration between our team and partners from Germany, Denmark, and Yemen.
Germany:
Our German sponsor, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), brought their expertise in peace support to the project. They played a pivotal role in facilitating the collaboration and steering the project.
Denmark:
Serious Game Interactive, a Danish company specialized in Serious Games, contributed immensely to the pedagogical aspects of the game. Their role ensured the game not only entertains but also educates players about non-violent communication methods. By employing effective learning theories and educational paradigms, they transformed the game into an engaging learning tool suitable for various age groups.
Yemen:
Arkadia Studio, a game development company based in Yemen, was responsible for bringing together and contracting artists, developers, writers, musicians, and testers. Their involvement was key in ensuring the game maintained a high standard of artistic and technical quality.
Technical and Artistic Development:
With these diverse partners’ collaboration, we employed state-of-the-art technology to bring “Al-Gaddah Challenge” to life. Detailed character modeling and immersive environments that mirror vibrant local markets and serene landscapes were meticulously crafted for a believable gaming world.
Particular attention was given to the soundtrack, blending traditional Middle Eastern melodies with modern undertones, creating an auditory experience that added depth to the storytelling.
Educational Impact:
The game’s launch was met with great acclaim. Educators and communication experts praised its innovative approach to teaching non-violent communication. The engaging narrative and relatable scenarios encouraged players to reflect on their own communication styles and understand the power of empathy, active listening, and positive expression.
Conclusion:
The development of the 9th game in the Arabia Felix series was more than just an artistic endeavor. It was a fusion of technology, art, culture, and education, brought together by the shared vision of our partners from Germany, Denmark, and Yemen. The game’s success stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration and the limitless potential of serious games in transforming lives and bridging cultures.
It was another great project where we worked together with our wonderful partners.