"Remain Secure": Leisurely Engineered Retro Games
Ofenerdiek Leisure Center Launches Educational Game "Stay Safe"
OLDENBURG, Germany - In a unique blend of technology and safety education, the Ofenerdiek leisure center in Oldenburg has developed a digital game titled "Stay Safe." The game, designed with a nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic, aims to teach children effective measures for navigating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in a fun and playful manner.
After months of changes and digital adaptations, the leisure centers in Oldenburg have started to reopen. However, the digital shift is far from over at Ofenerdiek. Over the past few weeks, a dedicated team consisting of leisure center staff, educators, and digital designers have collaborated on a special project: the creation of a video game.
The game's mechanics share similarities with Pac-Man, as players guide a small character through various levels in search of masks and avoiding dangers. According to Christoph Deters from Ofenerdiek, "Stay Safe" addresses the pandemic situation in a playful way. He explained, "The game promotes media literacy while aiming to sensitize children and young people regarding behavioral norms during the Corona pandemic."
The game serves more than just an entertaining diversion; it was also designed as an educational tool. Markus Schuette, director of Ofenerdiek leisure center, elaborated, "We strive to foster an understanding of the behavioral rules around the Corona pandemic... The game operates on multiple levels—it not only covers the content but also promotes understanding and communication about public health measures."
To create the game, a special tool was utilized during the development process. Children and young people participated in the planning stages, ensuring the game themes and challenges were age-appropriate and engaging. With the completion of "Stay Safe" this week, a leaderboard has been installed at the leisure center, allowing players to share and compare their scores. The top scorer on the leaderboard at the beginning of January 2021 will receive a small prize.
You can download "Stay Safe" on PC and Android phones via itch.io and www.oldenburg.de. iPhone users will need an additional app, such as Lemuroid, to play the game on their device. If you prefer the authentic retro feel, the leisure center offers an opportunity to play the game on an old NES console. The leisure center has also donated two additional cartridges to the Oldenburger Computer Museum e. V. and the Ofenerdiek neighborhood library for those interested in borrowing the game.
In a broader initiative to integrate educational elements into recreational activities, the "Stay Safe" game underscores the leisure center's commitment to fostering community awareness and personal responsibility. This innovative approach is a testament to the adaptability of leisure centers in today's rapidly changing world.
- At the Ofenerdiek leisure center, other than the recently launched educational game "Stay Safe," there are also various gadgets available, such as old NES consoles for those who want to experience the authentic retro feel while playing the game.
- In the spirit of integrating technology into everyday life, the Ofenerdiek leisure center's educational game "Stay Safe" not only teaches children about pandemic safety but also introduces them to smartphone gaming, as the game is available for download on Android phones and requires the use of an additional app for iPhone users.
