AidCraft: Development Diplomacy Game





Game Description

The AidCraft project involves an online game where players act as policy analysts within finance ministries of fictitious developing countries. Each game session will introduce unique economic, political, and social challenges. The players will make strategic decisions regarding loans, grants, and aid programs that affect four key aspects: Economic Health, Developmental Progress, Socio-Political Climate, and International Relations. It is envisioned that the game will use from real AidData foriegn aid datasets and tools to inform game design and data-driven mechanics, enhancing the learning experience.



Gameplay

AidCraft's gameplay unfolds over 10 unique scenarios, each corresponding to a different country. Players encounter randomized scenarios with specific objectives, presented through detailed briefings that inform their strategic decisions. The game begins with a detailed brief about the selected country, outlining specific circumstances that will influence the player's strategic choices.

Gameplay is structured around decision-making points where each choice influences the country's aforementioned aspects. A point system quantifies these impacts, challenging players to balance various goals within timed rounds. Each game session comprises five rounds, with players aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes across all categories. Feedback is provided after each round, reinforcing the educational aspect of international aid and policy. The game concludes with a summary of the player's performance, categorized into three achievement levels based on their final score: Aspiring Analyst, Seasoned Analyst, or Master Strategist.



Game UI Design

In the game, the user interface is not merely a conduit for interaction but an integral part of the immersive experience. The design philosophy intertwines aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that each visual element and layout contributes to a cohesive, intuitive, and engaging interface. This is complemented by a responsive design strategy that guarantees seamless adaptation across diverse devices and browsers, offering every player a consistent and uninterrupted strategic gameplay experience, regardless of their point of access.






Tools Used