Decision-making games

Description:
These typically allow users to view and interact with animations that describe, illustrate or simulate relevant aspects of an issue. The user can be presented with a graphical representation of a place or situation and various options that, when selected, change the representation in some way to simulate the effect of real-life decision-making.

eParticipation areas:

• Community building / Collaborative Environments
• Consultation
• Discourse
• Electioneering
• Mediation
• Polling
• Spatial planning
• Voting

Stage policy cycle: Usually in the Policy agenda setting and formulation stages.


Specials:
For quiz type games any responses that form part of the game are not usually shared with others. Where games are designed to be multi-user explicit rules will be required. The content, level of difficulty and types of interfaces are dependent on the target audience. The overall design of the game is important, as it has to be visually attractive and entertaining whilst being realistic and informative.


Channel:
Through the technical requirements of games (esp. multimedia), the PC is the main device for usage. However, mobile phones or even Digital-TVs could present simple game versions in the future.

Evaluation:
Analysis of usage statistics and exit questionnaires.

Additions:
http://simcity.ea.com/ designed to let players build and manage a city where activities range from deciding on the position of power plants to governance. http://www.youngtransnet.org.uk/main/home.htm designed to let children and young people consider sustainable transport issues. http://www.demgames.org/ designed as part of the Local eDemocracy National project.