How to play?:
The main aim of the game is to break down social constructs and talk freely about taboo topics, also to sensitise players with different perspectives to discuss their opinions. 8 players move from field to field by throwing with the dice. The aim of the game is not to be the first to cross the finish line, but to get people thinking and discussing different opinions about gender-related issues.
Skills improved
Every person has a different point of view, so the game also focuses on promoting a civilised culture of debate as well as it demonstrates a sensitivity training.
Background
Where’s the limit? is an online board game, an improved version of an earlier project, How do you play? At the heart of How Do You Play? was one question: why do video game makers feel it is so important to present their male and female characters in a nonrealistic, over-sexualised way in their games? The game was first developed on the platform of a role-playing game called Dungeons & Dragons, where the original plan of the researchers was that each participant would play as a stigmatised character, and then have to solve various problems and challenges while staying in the character’s role. However, the researchers ran into several technical problems and the game was completely redesigned, where the social focus became less about the experience of playing and the game itself, but more about starting a conversation about taboo topics. For the first test run, some members of CASSI were invited to help further improve the game. Subsequently, at an event organised by CASSI, about ten foreign students tried the game, at the end of which they also reflected on the researchers’ work and provided reflective critiques for further development and improvement of the game. After all this, the researchers presented their board game online to nearly 90 Dutch university students during the HAN International Week in 2022. The game was even included in a month-long series of programmes for Budapest Pride 2022, where the researchers were able to discuss said topics with 15 participant.
The creators
Fruzsina Csébi and Marcell Kristóf Szabó, are currently in their 4th year of a master’s degree in English and Ethics. They take part in many programmes organised by CASSI, thus helping the work of other members and CASSI itself. Their online game is still under development. Their aim is to reach as many people as possible through a website and later an app, and to raise awareness of the topics mentioned above.
