How to play?:
The goal is to introduce the players to mental and learning disabilities/difficulties. The methodology is based on roleplay with visuals of a crime scene, with the mechanism of an escape the room. Players must solve puzzles and riddles while experiencing difficulties similar to ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and such.
Skills improved
During session, players not only experience what it’s like to be a meddler detective but also what it’s like dealing with depression, ADHD, anxiety and dyslexia. Shedding a light on such topics helps players understand their peers who live with these disabilities.
Background
The game was originally designed as part of a course on ethics of disability, and then implemented through CASSI. Since day one, 147 players have tried Dis-Comfort during 11 games in 5 different locations (events of the Institute of Human Development and Cultural Sciences of the University of Pécs, 7th Vision of Tomorrow Workshop, South Transdanubian Regional Library and Knowledge Centre, 15th Ördögkatlan Festival, Nagyharsány, 8th Let’s Play Serious Games! Workshop). Compared to the original trial version, changes were made to almost every aspect of the game after each testing session, as each time we had to work with a different age group, a different composition and a different event setting. However, it is by no means the case that the game has reached its final version, as there will be more testing opportunities in the near future, that always brings a new perspective.
The creators
Our game development and research team within CASSI consists of two members, Bianka Balga and Tamara Novák. We are both fourth-year students at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Pécs. In addition to the common ground of English language and culture, we were able to draw on our knowledge of ethics, philosophy, chemistry and natural sciences, as well as our pedagogical and psychological skills, to develop the game. We have also sought to bring our professional insight and natural curiosity to our game, while exploring a subject that is rarely discussed in public education.
