Copyright

Babel Digital

Summary

An online fantasy world, where young people are rewarded for sharing their life skills and knowledge.

Description

Sages & Oracles is an online world that recognises the informal learning of young people and encourages them to teach what they know to their peers. It will be an environment where users can interact as a group, anytime and anywhere. They will use it both as a social networking tool but also as an accreditation of their knowledge.

Immersing users in a 2D fantasy world, they will play the role of travelling wise men and women. Similar to an internet forum users will post any problems they may be having in their life, for example “how do I do Pythagoras?”, “how do I play Swan Lake” or “how can I fix a flat tire on my bike?” etc. Other users can then help to solve these problems through informal group chat.

When users have had their problems solved, they can ‘shout’ about the help they have received, which will result in their helper receiving points. When a user receives points, their character will visually age (following the stereotype that wisdom comes with age).

As well as trying to improving their in-game rank, users can also use points to buy mini-games and new costumes for their avatar.

How it might be used

James 15

“I sat down at my computer and put in the web address for the game. It’s the first time I’ve played the game so after logging in, I get to design my character. I chose to be a Sage because they look like my granddad; I like that curly hat and shoes so I’ll add those! I’ve decided to call myself Gandalf because he always seemed really wise.

Having designed my character I get to pick a house in the village, which is named after my youth club who set up the game. I leave my house and see loads of my friends walking around, we talk for a bit then I decided to go exploring. My Mate Tim has a sign outside his house saying help wanted, I talk to Tim, he’s trying to get his mp3 player set up; we sell them where I work on weekends, so I’m able to give him some advice. He’s chuffed and so gives me a ‘shout’, I get some points and my character gets older, looks just like my granddad now! I walk over to the shop and I’m able to buy some mini-games, that’s boss.”

Contact

Babel Digital
www.babeldigital.com
ideas@babeldigital.com