‘Inclusive’ gaming
workshop in Carndonagh
18.09.23
GAMING doesn’t have to be
violent, racist or anti-women but can be inclusive
instead. That’s according to Áine Kelly, from Spraoi
agus Spórt, who’s staging a special workshop on this
issue next weekend. ‘Meet and Code Gaming for All’ takes
place at the Digital Creative Lab in Carndonagh this
Saturday, September 23rd, from 11:30am to 4pm.
Áine, Technical Assistant at the Lab, says the workshop
is free and is aimed at 12 to 16 year olds. “They can
learn to craft games that embrace diversity and
accessibility. Many young people and parents are alarmed
at the content of a lot of the games on the market
today. This workshop gives young people a chance to
challenge the negative messages coming from some of the
popular games.”
Áine says they will have expert support from the
Derry-based Kippie, who help people from all backgrounds
learn how to make games and express themselves in their
work. The Kippie team will kick off the discussions on
addressing the lack of inclusivity in gaming. |
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‘Meet and Code Gaming for
All’ takes place at the Digital Creative Lab in Carn
this Saturday, Sept 23rd, from 11:30am to 4pm. To book
visit:
https://spraoi-agus-sport |
Áine added: “We’ll
encourage participants to share their own experiences of
gaming. Then we’ll discuss issues like misogyny,
violence and racism in contemporary gaming culture.
We’ll also explore the impact of this culture on
individuals and communities. How does it feel to play a
game which portrays you or those around you in a
derogatory way? What effect can this have on a gamer’s
self-image, confidence or mental health?”
Áine says they will look at inclusive Game Design
Principles and discuss how they can represent the
diversity within our families and communities. “The
narrative in games can be very powerful and can be
directed away from generating hate to embracing
diversity.”
The workshop will use interactive activities to explore
different perspectives and experiences.
“We’ll also do some brainstorming on strategies for
taking an inclusive approach and look at games that have
successfully challenged the status quo. And we’ll
discuss game ideas and mechanics that can offer a fresh
perspective. |
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|
‘Meet and Code Gaming for
All’ takes place at the Digital Creative Lab in Carn
this Saturday, Sept 23rd, from 11:30am to 4pm. To book
visit:
https://spraoi-agus-sport |
Áine says the workshop
will offer an overview of accessible game development
tools and resources suitable for beginners. There will
be an introduction to game engines, game creation
platforms, and coding basics.
“We’ll have a hands-on game development exercise using a
beginner-friendly game creation platform. Participants
will create a mini-game or interactive experience that
promotes inclusivity and challenges a specific issue.
They’ll get one-on-one assistance from the workshop
facilitators for this project work.”
Participants will do presentations of the games they
make, and explain how they addressed the issues they
chose to tackle. Áine says they’ll finish up with
discussion on the potential impact of the games and the
creative process. To book, call Spraoi agus Spórt on
0868420203 or visit:
https://spraoi-agus-sport . |
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