<a href="https://www.talesofus.com/">TALES Initiative</a> seeks to support learning with a decolonial approach in developing our new, multi-faceted platform: <a href="https://www.worldofus.info/wou-game">World of Us</a>. What does this actually mean? Decolonisation is the undoing of colonialism: practically, socially, mentally, and beyond. It is more than just the removal of monuments and state policies as it also extends to dominant belief systems that have obscured, destroyed, or ignored Indigenous realities and histories. One of these systems is that of youth education and the methods and practices surrounding it. &nbsp; &nbsp;Why is a decolonial approach needed in early education?As a multimedia storytelling project, we organise ourselves around a decolonial approach because it centres not only Indigenous knowledge but also other marginalised groups affected by colonial expansion. In doing this, it offers an approach to education that has historically been left out or treated as an afterthought. The work of Brazilian philosopher <a href="https://www.freire.org/paulo-freire">Paulo Freire</a> expresses some of these foundational values. It was geared towards education and the implications of colonialism and oppressive power structures; he outlined tools such as unity, compassion, organisation, and cultural synthesis to empower those most affected by imbalanced educational institutions. This allows us to spotlight some of the most marginalised groups in our educational goals while also benefitting the greater collective by championing core values that focus on climate, eco-justice and sustainability; racial and ethnic equity and equality; and non-capitalist motivated narratives.How can it benefit children in understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, perspectives, and histories?<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1177180120952896?journalCode=alna">One research model published in the AlterNative:</a> an International Journal of Indigenous Peoples in 2020 explored “the benefits, barriers, and resources for engaging Indigenous knowledges in science education and research” and found commonalities of “individual experiences [woven] into a larger collective, inter-generational story of survival, adaptation, resilience, and regeneration.” Fostering a greater cohesion with these experiences on a societal scale is the antithesis to many modern, global problems that are caused by the history of colonialism: such as climate degradation, exploitation of workers’ rights, and prevailing systems of oppression. These problems can then be linked to various early educational frameworks such as individualism, prioritising technical skill output learning, surface level cultural exchange, and blind patriotism. These decolonial and indigenous-focused systems for early education can lay the foundation for a society that values collective progression over individualism and marginal exclusion. This also brings in cultural exchange, not as a novelty tool (such as teaching a secondary language to reproduce in a society) but as a core pillar of citizenship (fostering empathy and understanding for cultural differences as well as technical skills like language learning when cultural exchange is introduced).The conclusionIn conclusion, the TALES initiative is producing platforms such as World of Us with these decolonial and interdisciplinary approaches in order to create a unique, open-source software experience. It is a digital world of cultural exchange, value, and appreciation that centres Indigenous and marginalised identities at its core. Connecting the youth through these digital dedicated educational spaces on a global network is something that is yet to be done and it is our hope that we can use the power of storytelling to do so. &nbsp;

Learn about the importance of undoing colonialism and how it can benefit children's understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, perspectives, and histories. 

Digital Inclusion 

Ancestrality

Future of Education

Reimagining the Classroom for a Decolonised Future

In an age of snowballing digital development and online presence overtaking real-world presence, the concept of empathy matters more than ever for young minds. So is it really possible that the virtual space could, in fact, serve as a tool to enhance and promote cultures of empathy for children and young people? The arguments both for and against the use of virtual spaces and technologies when working and communicating with children are many, so let's take a closer look at the theories behind them in order to better understand the digital future of empathy.“…the promise and peril of virtual reality as a tool to transport each of us into worlds beyond and lives unknown, conjuring feelings of fear and devastation along with those of excitement and hope…”The intangible concept of empathy is deeply connected to the ever-expanding virtual world. As cognitive scientist Dr. Lindsay Portnoy expressed in her 2017 article ‘The Neural Technology of Empathy’, &nbsp;humans are hardwired to replicate empathy when prompted due to our own neural makeup. With this in mind, children around the world should be able to learn, access and reproduce feelings of empathy in virtual spaces without physical borders and while interacting with children with whom they would not usually have access to integrate. The potential benefits of a younger population able to utilise virtual reality (VR) to build bridges between different communities that are unbound by language, location, border or aesthetics are innumerable but they also present new and unexplored barriers and challenges. This article explores the psychological and social benefits of virtual experiences; the possibilities of designing spaces that promote empathy, understanding and cultural awareness; and ethical considerations and challenges concerning children and development.Virtual reality: friend or foe?Delving into the world of VR can feel at once alienating and all-consuming, as it’s easy to forget that we possess within our own brains the very same technology that VR utilises. Vilayanur Ramachandran expanded on this concept of ‘neural technology’ in his 2009 talk for TEDIndia, highlighting the importance of these so-called mirror neurons as having “shaped civilization”. Though only discovered relatively recently, mirror neurons are designed to ‘fire’ during an action or during a witnessed action. This explains how we can sometimes ‘feel another’s pain’: essentially the physical manifestation and embodiment of empathy. VR technology plays on this very same connection, assuming the innate human quality of being empathetic and predisposed to react to perceived realities accordingly. As virtual communication and technology expands its reach worldwide, the prominence of utilising this as a tool for enhanced empathy, community-focused consciousness and education is growing. While humans possess an inherent ability to empathise and connect, fast-developing digital technologies are offering us less opportunities for face-to-face connection and, therefore, less time spent reflecting in real-time. If we are able to harness the benefits of existing in the virtual space while retaining that which is inherently human, we may be able to use our developing tools for the better of future generations worldwide. In order to understand this better, we need to examine more closely the psychology of empathy alongside virtual reality.The three forms of empathyDaniela Branco is a consultant specialist in the gaming industry who is currently growing her practice as a psychoanalyst. She understands empathy as “the ability to perceive, feel and connect with the other” whether that be human, animal or natural being. This concept of “understanding what the other is feeling” directly relates to that which we can aim to create through VR. In virtual space, we have the opportunity to inhabit the experiences of another, whether this is directly related to a human concept, natural world space or fantasy depiction, this enables us to tap into the feelings of others through perceived lived experience. This differentiation from real-world empathy is expressed in Thomas Fuchs’ 2013 paper, ‘The Virtual Other’, in which he introduces three separate forms of empathy that need to be understood if we are to replicate them in the virtual space. His explanation of ‘primary empathy’ is the real-world, lived experience manifestation; that is to say that which arises from “direct, bodily contact with another person”. This ‘strain’ of empathy is entirely informed by the aforementioned innate human disposition to experience and express empathy: each party involved in these experiences enters into a “circular, bodily-affective” interaction that constantly informs the other on an almost subconscious level. The second form of empathy as explained by Fuchs is “extended empathy”, which differs entirely from the primary form in that it plays on more complex psychological matters such as ‘perspective taking’ and ‘imaginative transposition’. This form of empathy is closely linked to developments in VR, as it informs our ability to relate to one another in real-time, reflect emotionally and interact compassionately with others who are experiencing life in ways entirely different from our own. This form of empathy “already involves a certain degree of virtuality” in that it presents the intangible, and does not depend on physicality or bodily contact to occur. Finally, Fuchs’ introduces “fictional empathy”: this form enables us to connect with inanimate or non-living objects, characters in literature, avatars, photographs and letters from living people. The dispute between whether fictional empathy and primary empathy are different at all can be rested here and serves to explain entirely how we are able to bring important developments in empathy and connection into the virtual space:“…consider interaction with fictive agents in cyberspace or identification with movie &nbsp; &nbsp; characters that can achieve similar levels of emotional intensity, or even more intense levels, &nbsp; &nbsp; when compared with real encounters. As regards secondary empathy or imaginative &nbsp; &nbsp; transposition, it already entails a component of virtuality or an ‘as-if-consciousness’: when I put myself into the shoes of the other, I do not actually become the other, and I remain aware of this.”Simulations and positive mental healthOver the past five years, we have seen advancement in research supporting the employment of virtual reality to aid interpersonal connections, mental health and reduce stress. A primary example of this is the introduction of interactive nature simulations, as explored in a 2020 study by the Journal of Environmental Psychology which found “that people who watched interactive computer-generated virtual reality (CG-VR) experienced a significant increase in positive mental health”. While it is both well-documented and understood that proximity to nature (even without physical access or interaction) enhances mood, reduces mental and physical stress levels and physical wellbeing, it is only recently that we are now seeing huge increases in health benefits for those utilising VR programmes focused solely on immersion in nature. There is also evidence to suggest that so-called ‘nature VR’ “can allow individuals to engage in mindfulness and divert from anxiety-inducing thoughts” to the same level as is possible in real-life immersion in nature.Due to the restrictive lockdowns during the pandemic, many people found themselves entirely unable to access nature, with inner-city inhabitants completely cut off from natural views, access to open spaces and local wildlife. As cities expand and this access to open spaces diminishes due to overpopulated areas and reduction of parks in favour of housing projects, the reality of future generations having little to no access to the natural world is fast approaching. If we are able to offer young people the experience of simulated nature, whether that be to walk in a local forest or explore a coral reef, we can greatly enhance possibilities for better mental health along with increased physical wellbeing and real-life experiences of decreased stress reproduced by these virtual experiences.Developing global communities in the digital spaceThe social benefits of VR are rooted in growing numbers of users utilising these digital spaces to connect with others “while experiencing feelings of presence”. VR offers users the ability to meet in social spaces, while simultaneously offering creative activities and games that promote social connection and enjoyment. These virtual spaces essentially offer the simulated feeling of community, a concept which our modern societies are becoming further and further estranged from as we move away from “shared physical space” and connection. The possibility for a development of ‘global communities’ that work to disband cultural boundaries and inequalities rooted in racism, sexism and homophobia is extremely prominent in the world of VR. Multiple applications of this technology enables “geographically remote users to interact with each other in shared virtual environments” thus presenting the possibility for users to learn about new cultures, lived experiences of others regardless of race, religion, locality or prohibitive law. The ‘total immersion’ of VR through the use of a headset is a defining feature that lends itself to the total disconnect from the user’s reality: “this technology blocks the perception of the real environment, and provides an immersive environment instead that responds naturalistically to the users’ actions”. Contrary to possible perception of altering mental and physical capacity for connection, this level of immersion and simulated space has been proven to increase sensations of physical closeness, which in turn offers “increased perceptions of psychological and social closeness” and intimacy.Marginalised peoples&nbsp;“The cultivation of empathy for people from historically disenfranchised ethnic and racial groups has been proposed as an essential strategy for dismantling racism at least since the Civil Rights era” and so the employment of VR as a tool to both teach and explore empathy is being developed as these technologies progress. A 2018 immersive VR module developed by Columbia and Stanford Universities entitled ‘1000 Cut Journey’ utilised a character-focused model to offer participants access to experience racism first hand. Participants utilised VR headsets to “become'' Michael Sterling at three different timepoints in his life: aged 7, aged 15 and aged 30. The creators are continuing to examine the psychosocial effects of experiencing ‘1000 Cut Journey’ as well as exploring “its utility in ameliorating race-based health inequities”. &nbsp;Users have reported “a greater sense of presence” which, in turn, supports more effective learning and a “greater ability to recall information” that can then be revisited in the real world. The health sector has been working to develop even further resources and programmes utilising VR, particularly concerning racial inequality and stigmatised groups. VR has been “identified as one of the most promising resources for developing empathy towards stigmatised groups as it allows individuals to experience a situation close to reality from another’s perspective”. &nbsp;A sample study published in 2022 expanded on this by using VR to examine the “impact on empathy, knowledge, and attitudes towards people with schizophrenia”. The sample group consisted of 102 health students, each measured by completing various questionnaires and cognitive tasks combined with 2D video and VR simulation. The study essentially found the method to be effective in improving attitudes towards people with schizophrenia, but also identified the possibility of using 2D video in tandem with VR to support the cultivation of empathy through total immersion.The risks of further development and exposureThough there are numerous social and psychological benefits present in the current development of VR models concerning empathy, it is important to highlight the potential risks and concerns of using such programmes, particularly concerning children and young people. “Experiences in virtual worlds have translated into real-world behaviour”, which is both a blessing and a curse when we consider how this impacts the lives of those most susceptible: our younger generations. While VR can be “leveraged as a tool to enhance empathy”, it is also possible that unmoderated and unsafe virtual spaces can offer opportunities for access to dangerous content that is essentially anti-empathy in its depiction of human interaction and emotion. While studies continue to develop to reduce real-world violence through the use of VR (for example in a small study using immersive VR to aid male domestic aggressors to understand better the experience of their victims) we have also seen many examples in over identification with video game scenes and characters in young children over the past twenty years. The evidence is there to support this worsening with VR if the outputs are not controlled safely and moderated, given the intensity of immersion in these virtual spaces that is possible.Daniela Branco expanded on the dangers of unmoderated access to the virtual world, expressing that “excessive access to virtual games, whether violent or not, can cause sleep disturbances, affect growth hormone, school performance, eating and behavioural problems, can also encourage a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits.” It is also to be noted that, while VR can enhance empathy, grow opportunities for connection and dissolve borders of inequality, there are also instances of individuals experiencing this technology with entirely the opposite effect due to its somewhat dissociative nature and extraction from reality. In younger males, this can be particularly problematic considering feelings of identification, compassion, and solidarity and the overstimulation of a developing mind can lead to desensitisation towards violence, including trivialising aggression towards others. The impact digital technologies have on the brain has long been demonstrated in relation to both food and sleep, as these are two of the main areas affected by both excessive and problematic use (though this is different from addiction or dependence). In terms of more short term health benefits, users have also reported nausea, eye strain and headaches which are largely due to prolonged or incorrect use of the headsets and devices.Our digital future in web 3.0As we enter web 3.0, understanding “psychological principles of empathic design and virtual human-mediated communication is more important than ever”. Much remains to be seen and experienced in the virtual space to support this ever-expanding foray into empathy development, but the many studies examining harm reduction and human connection serve to offer hope with integrity. &nbsp;As young people along with increasing numbers of social groups around the world begin to explore VR due to more accessible pricing of technology and headsets, tools on moderated and safe use will need to develop in order that we protect these online spaces and use them to cultivate positive human interaction and creation. VR could be the next platform for global citizenship to develop, along with increased cultural awareness and de-stigmatised communication, but we must ensure that we create these virtual spaces with moderation in mind as we understand the potential immense change possible for our future generations.&nbsp;

Unpack how virtual reality can enhance empathy and cultural awareness for children and bridge communities. 

Digital Futures

Why Virtual Empathy Matters

Welcome to chapter two of Demystifying, focusing on artificial intelligence! Our latest video in the series explores how young children are gaining early access to the world of AI through interactive learning tools and games. This signals the dawn of a new development in early years education that will inform our classrooms and job markets of the future.

How will artificial intelligence inform the future of teaching and learning?  

Demystifying AI in Education

In an era where the idea of a dystopian future has become increasingly prevalent, Solarpunk emerges as a beacon of hope and positivity. This concept, contrasting the popular "high tech, low life" theme of Cyberpunk, envisions a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously. It's an idea that resonates deeply with our current societal needs - sustainability, community, diversity, and resilience.The Solarpunk movement is more than just a literary genre; it's a cultural phenomenon that has found expression in books, games, and movies. This worldview presents an optimistic, innovative future where technology serves to enhance, not deplete, our natural environment. It's a narrative that inspires us to believe in a better tomorrow, one where we work alongside nature, not against it.As we navigate through these challenging times, it's crucial to share these hopeful narratives with the younger generation. By introducing them to Solarpunk, we offer a vision filled with creativity and the possibility of a better world. These stories have the power to inspire action and foster a mindset geared towards building a future that prioritizes harmony between technology and the environment.In our latest video, we delve into the world of Solarpunk, exploring its principles and how it stands as a necessary counter-narrative to the 21st-century's pessimism. We invite you to watch and join us in contemplating a future where the dreams of today shape a brighter, greener, and more inclusive tomorrow. Let's embark on this journey together, reimagining what our world could become with Solarpunk as our guiding light.

Is there a more hopeful way to see the future? Can we see beyond the dystopian narrative that floods our devices every day? Well, there just might be something that can help. Something that asks us what if technology served us better?

Demystifying Solarpunk: A Vision for Tomorrow's World

Known by many things—“in the zone”, or “locked in”— it’s a feeling often sought after but not fully understood.&nbsp;You may have experienced it yourself—out on a run where you feel unstoppable or even cleaning the house—a feeling where everything just seems to work and make sense. This magical feeling is more commonly known as&nbsp;flow state.&nbsp;Flow State has a host of cool features to unlock such as: time seeming to pass quickly, and individuals experiencing a sense of effortless control and deep enjoyment. Getting into the flow of things is a mental state of complete absorption and focus in an activity. It was first described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his seminal work&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/66354">"Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience."</a> Just like in sports, art, and music creation, achieving flow in gaming involves a deep sense of concentration, enjoyment, and a feeling of being "in the zone." In young kids, flow state might look like an afternoon spent putting together a puzzle. Celebrating the wins of matching pieces is much like the flow state that can be found through digital gaming.&nbsp;For kids, one of the most rewarding parts of gaming can be the achievements games unlock along the way—whether that’s medals, trophies or tools to play on. The strategic thinking applied when gaming combined with these frequent rewards is a great way to get flow state started. Not only that, but the problem solving in games is often transferable to everyday living and helps to get kids thinking about larger issues in smaller, more digestible chunks and may also encourage decision-making surrounding others and public spaces that could impact the environment the digital world provides.&nbsp;We’ve learned a few steps that can go into finding flow in gaming. The player needs to find the level or play just challenging enough that it seems completable without the disheartening frustration from taking on a task that’s too hard. The feeling that you’re looking for is a sense of “optimal challenge.” Receiving small rewards or indication you’re getting closer to a larger goal will drive players to focus deeper on the little wins and trigger a bunch of sensors to tell you now is the time to focus more than ever. By mentally structuring tasks one at a time the success rate is higher and therefore the flow can take over.&nbsp;For parents, the world of gaming still might feel too all-consuming. There are a couple of tips we have for tackling this concern. Firstly, join in! Playing games might not be your idea of quality time, but they’re a great way to bond with your kids and to check first-hand that the game promotes healthy topics for young minds. You might find some flow of your own! Secondly, when group gaming isn’t possible try to encourage time limits or breaks in play. They don’t have to be too rigid but should mark times to switch off and get back to like IRL. And finally, and probably the most simple option, ask questions. Kids want to tell you about their achievements and gaming is no exception. The more you show an active interest in their online play the more you’ll know where the limits are.World of Us is currently being designed to optimise flow—and enjoyment—so that players can lock in on building skills that help to protect and educate young people about the world we live in today. The game, which brings in tales from around the globe, has creative, collaborative, and strategic challenges that are tailored to young developing minds. This means the challenges they set to solve are creating that ‘optimum challenge’ and unlocking more opportunities for flow as play continues. As guardians we want you to play along, too. This world may be for kids but there’s so much guardians can learn from. We’re creating resources that can help you start crucial conversations. Topics, such as culture, mythology, history, nature, won’t just help your children learn but may just open new worlds for you, too.

Flow states, often seen as mythic, truly exist and can make gaming twice as fun.

How Can Young Gamers Find Their Flow?

“Mama, Papa, I have come up with a new game. Do you want to play it with me?”In youth, life is a game. We make games to pass the time, to explore the world around us, and to collaborate with others. The games we create are shaped largely by where we are. In warmer climates, playing outside inspires the rules and boundaries of games. Where it is often cooler, games are created in more contained, indoor spaces—though imaginations can still run free. Our surroundings, culture, and history shape the way we come up with these games and their rules. We learn right from wrong and how to play fairly. With these skills we are preparing for life as adults—even if we don’t realise it at the time.&nbsp;Our mission at <a href="https://talesofus.com/">TALES</a> has always been to create space and help tell the stories of those who want to be heard. When we began creating the World of Us game we knew that showcasing myths and histories through games could help reach and engage the younger generation and their curious minds. Who better to create these games than young people themselves? In 2021, TALES began hosting workshops, inviting bright young minds to come together to write, design and create their own minigames—based on the world as they know it.&nbsp;From these workshops we saw an amazing opportunity.&nbsp;We wanted to give young digital creators their own platform to highlight their work and the tales of the localities we work in. So, we made sure to keep developing their ideas so that even more people can learn from their stories. Whether they had a great idea or if they had the tools to build their digital journeys, we were able to support in sharing these incredible worldviews and talents. Minigames are, quite simply put, smaller games found within a larger game. By creating these games within the World of Us Game we are able to tell more stories throughout the journey.&nbsp;In this series—Making Minigames—we are going to take you through how we have brought these ideas to life, who are the creative minds behind the games, and the local myths and histories that inspired them.&nbsp;All the games we’ll talk about will be available to play in the Wandering Isles inside WoU. Follow the series to find out how you can play along and support young game designers in the process. The first game we’ll be sharing is&nbsp;Amana. Stay tuned.

Discover the hidden gems that lie within the World of Us game. 

Educational Games

Making Minigames: Behind the Scenes

With about 71% of the earth’s surface covered by water in one form or another it’s no surprise that it is frequently found in our online worlds. Water is referred to in many ways. In some, it is dramatic and full of secrets of the deep, in others it trickles and gently flows bringing life to natural surroundings. But we believe its greatest quality is the connection it creates.&nbsp;In nature, water is not just valuable for humans but also for plants, animals, and shaping the land. It is the thing that keeps grass green and helps trees grow to magnificent heights. It also serves as a watering hole for local animals and plants bringing wildlife to meet for one common purpose—to hydrate. In our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/water-water-everywhere">previous article</a>, we pointed out that humans are on average 60% water. This means that water, in one form or another, has to play a role in the world around us—and online worlds are no exception.&nbsp;In gaming, water can take many forms. RPG (role-player games) often use water as a measure of health, highlighting the importance that water is a crucial part of staying active when taking on adventures both big and small. Farming-simulation games are a great example of water being required in online nature. Without watering crops, much like in real life, plants wither and die and it is the player's role to manage and care for the needs of the unique plants and any farmyard animals. No matter the location—a desert, a forest, or a beach—water will appear.&nbsp;Another moment water appears in gaming is to explore. Swimming or the use of&nbsp; boats unlock new corners of maps and, much like in the real world, allows players to experience different terrains, foods and cultures. But sometimes travel can be more creative. For example, in Pokémon, water type Pokémon can be taught to swim allowing players to explore without the need for a ferry and opening the door to even more unique experiences on other lands and at sea.&nbsp;Look at any map of the world and you will notice, water is often defined by the countries it separates. But what if we were to flip this narrative and see water as our global connector?In the WoU game, all things “water” have been designed with purpose. Our game guide,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/a-new-player-has-entered-the-game">NOLA</a>, was inspired by water’s fluidity to create a being that was not rigidly defined by any single appearance of any one location or gender. Water in WoU can also grow seeds—much like in farming-simulation games—except with an added twist of requiring collaboration with other players. It’s also how players will travel. Waterways that connect the lands are the fastest way to explore. Most importantly, the water we have designed is inspired by human and natural truths. Not just how we use it but how it looks and sounds. Researching our real world opened our eyes to how we want water to be interacted with in the World of Us.&nbsp;Next in our series, we’ll be diving deeper into how the WoU game will be using water to connect players and encourage exploration.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Recreating the power of this unique resource in a digital world.

Environment

Water, Water Everywhere: A Global Connector

In pop culture, many know avatars as the giant blue beings from Pandora, or as Aang the young (112-year-old) boy frozen in ice who must master the four elements. But avatars have existed long before these stories were created. In fact, many millenniums ago.&nbsp;The word "avatar" comes from Sanskrit and translates to the embodiment of a powerful being or god in a different form. In Hindu tales, the best-known avatar is Vishnu, who takes human form to restore righteousness.&nbsp;Some people translate "avatar" as "incarnation"—this theme appears in the animated TV series Avatar: The Last Airbender—but they're different. "Incarnation" suggests being born in flesh, but the term "avatar" suggests a mythical form. In Hinduism, avatars represent spiritual perfection and noble goals.But since its Hindu origins, the term avatar has expanded and grown in its interpretations, taking various forms in popular culture. During the development of digital chat forums, they became a name for the icons we create online to identify ourselves. Very much like Hindu interpretations, taking a mythical form, albeit just for the earthly purpose of chats.&nbsp;But it did catch on.Soon after, it popped up in games. Avatars allowed us to transform as deities were once said to have— this time in an online world. In gaming, avatars now commonly refer to the characters we put ourselves into. The British online game pioneer Richard Bartle has been researching the topic since the mid-1980s and points out the following: “Many people who write about avatars actually mean characters, but they don't understand the difference. Avatars are puppets, characters are simulacra. However, neither avatars nor characters are people. They still have something to do with the absorptive power of online worlds. There is a level of immersion that goes even deeper than the character: the role.”Playing as avatars offers a unique form of freedom for children, allowing them to explore identities and worlds without the constraints of the physical realm. This playful immersion can foster creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and boost confidence as they navigate through various scenarios and interact with others globally. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about expanding horizons and understanding diversity in a safe, controlled environment, enabling kids to learn and grow in ways that were unimaginable just a generation ago. Encourage your child to embrace this digital playground with open-minded curiosity.In the World of Us game, players’ Avatars can roam and explore, take up an identity, and a new style and if they feel like they may just don a new personality. The idea is to play, right?&nbsp;

Some know them only as James Cameron’s large alien creatures but avatars have an origin all of their own—and it may surprise you. 

Avatars: A Short History

Marcela’s journey is a tale worth exploring. It began with the mission to do good and has taken many routes in how that looks throughout the years. Today, that work looks like creating experiences with and for our communities through co-creation and multiple different frameworks that employ the single-minded objective of how we can do better—together.&nbsp;“I have followed a non-traditional career path. I studied chemistry at university because I dreamed of making a positive impact on the cosmetics industry by creating products with natural ingredients. I came to the conclusion that the industry's direction was heavily influenced by marketing departments. Therefore, to encourage a shift towards more conscious consumption, it needs to be driven by consumers who must be equipped with information on topics they may not be fully aware of.” Marcela’s research and development skills were not lost along the way. She began to work towards producing experiences that foster community and facilitate clear communication. “This journey led me to the opportunity to design experiences for TALES. It all began in Brazil through a partnership with the AfroGames project in Rio de Janeiro, where children from a favela learn how to develop video games. Gradually, we expanded our reach and activated all the localities we work with today.”“My creative process is inspired by cooking. It begins with the selection of ingredients. Consciously making decisions and ensuring I am well-informed about the ingredients, I can assess my own needs and desires daily to craft each meal.” Much like life in the kitchen, game design incorporates a blend of mixing, connecting, and designing the final presentation. “I aim to engage all my senses throughout the process. It's a daily exercise that trains my brain for moments of interaction—whether it's talking, reading, or, most importantly, listening to people—as if I were preparing the next culinary experience.”When it comes to game development, Marcela shines in crafting the journey. “I don't possess a specific background in this field. Rather, my expertise lies in designing experiences tailored to specific targets by comprehending their behaviours and needs through tech to facilitate a positive impact.” Large parts of the game require us to understand how users will interact not only with the tools of the game but with each other. This mindset means her skills are creating a narration within the game and ensuring that the game we make is tailored to the players.&nbsp;Marcela’s most exciting moment at TALES so far occurred during the collaborations with the Game LABs initiatives—in India, Romania and Brazil. This initiative was created to empower the communities to tell their histories and mythologies through game creation. “Just being able to be close to them and learning from them and knowing that the work we create not only inspires me on a personal level but will also help inspire hundreds of people down the line.” Exploring the relationship each of the four localities have with the mythologies was an eye-opener. “Working with four cultures that are so rich and powerful, the creators truly care and want to protect how the narratives will be perceived by others. Young developers are creating games that become tools of communication with the future generations.” Marcela’s role was to not only facilitate these experiences but to translate them back into the TALES core team. “It is super interesting to me to be this bridge between the localities and our core team to exchange this information in a way that we can all learn together and ultimately translate it into the game we are building.”As the game develops, inspired through all this collaboration we asked what she feels best describes this moment in the journey. “The complexity of the creative process behind every design aspect within the game, along with the multitude of hands, time, and effort required to meticulously craft each piece. The collaboration is what makes it work. Knowing that there are numerous minds from around the world that have influenced every decision and aspect of the game's creation - it’s mesmerizing. .”As the World of Us game develops, we’re always asking ourselves what will be the best moment in the game’s release. For each person it’s different based on their interests and role in its creation. “The WoU game will serve as a space for the exchange of ideas and ancestral knowledge.” And the goal for Marcela? “To foster curiosity and inspiration in young people’s lives. I hope that the interpersonal connections formed within the game, as well as those with the environment, will be unique, planting seeds within users that they can carry into the real world.”&nbsp;We cannot thank Marcela enough for the insights into their role in this journey we’re undertaking. Next up on our Makers agenda:&nbsp;Horea from our Game Development Team. Watch this space or follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/worldofus_wou/">@worldofus_wou</a> to learn more.&nbsp;

Meet Marcela Zanon, from research and development in chemistry to our Head of Community Engagement and Events. 

WoU, Who?

Since joining the TALES, Veronica has led the team to all sorts of milestones. Our Game Producer, responsible for keeping this epic project on the move, sat with us to discuss the World of Us, what it means and how they contribute to the collaboration.&nbsp; “I used to work at Rockstar Games, in their Performance Production department. During my time there, I worked very closely with the directors, writers, actors, engineers, and animators to help create audio environments and performances that would completely immerse a player. I quickly learned how much detail and effort goes into every single moment of a game.” So, how does the World of Us project stand up against one of the world’s best-known gaming companies? “This is my first time working on such a collaborative project. When I joined, I expected more rigidness with what TALES was asking the Digital Creators to make. Instead of giving them a list of what they needed to make for the WoU, we provided a generic list of assets as a guide of what can be featured in-game, but they were welcome to go ‘off book’ if they wanted.”World of Us is, as its name implies, a global project. And with this, some areas need to be navigated more carefully. “There are a lot of different time zones to keep in consideration.” Keeping track of the people is as important as keeping track of the work. “It’s important to make sure tasks are finished and milestones are achieved, but also that everyone has the support they need to do their job.” Thinking with such a global mindset has been part of Veronica’s way of living since childhood. “My parents are flight attendants, which allowed me and my sister to travel and experience as many different cultures and customs as possible from a very young age.”She’s been fortunate enough to understand the impact of the representation of local cultures. “We have trees and bushes coming from the Danube Delta and Kouilou, and flowers and animals from Acre and Kerala. This matches with what the Digital Creators saw on their trips, and the game is more authentic because of it.” While the World of Us may be a digital escape, the inspiration that has been drawn to create it stays as true as it can to local lore and landscapes. Why improve on the things we love, eh?No stranger to collaboration in her role, Veronica couldn’t hold back on the value of a strong team. “We would be lost without our Game Designer, Anna’s, brain! We can see from the assets being created what comes from allowing the team to have more input on what they create and why.” This way of working together isn’t the industry standard and that’s why we think it pushes the work to include even more insights and create a more well-rounded environment. “The experience is part of the learning process.” We couldn’t agree more.&nbsp;Coming from a background in entertainment, including Television Production, an educational game isn’t necessarily the most obvious next step. But that doesn’t stop her from dropping some excellent truth bombs. “You can teach more than one lesson with game design. For example, a mission can be as simple as finding 5 animals. The main “lesson” is that the player learns about different animals, but to find the animals it involves logic, deductive reasoning, and maybe even collaboration from other players.” But when it comes to a game designed to teach and enrich young minds there are many things that need to be taken into consideration. “The themes aren’t necessarily topics you’d learn in a classroom setting, sometimes they’re more subtle.” Nowadays, academic education takes precedence over a lot of emotional education. In World of Us, we’re looking to find a balance. “This game also teaches players how to communicate without using words. They will need to reach out to other children for help and trust that working with someone new can help them complete a puzzle or plant a seed.”&nbsp;And our final question, what would make this project a success? “We’d love it if a child in a grocery store is able to spot a fruit their avatar ate in the WoU. Then we know we’ve done our job.”A massive thank you to Veronica for allowing us to pick her brain. Next up on our 'WoU, Who?' agenda:&nbsp;Marcela Zanon who steadfastly holds the reins of Community and Engagement.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Meet Veronica Stroever, and get access-all-areas insights from our Game Producer

WoU, Who? 

When the World of Us game was being imagined we found ourselves coming back time and time again to the same question: Can you take the experience of learning in a museum and translate it into an online space for children? But that only left us faced with a larger discussion. If you can recreate museums online, is this the way forward?Home to history, museums have long been the guardians of knowledge. They allow the public to explore beyond borders and travel through time—sometimes over centuries. With all this culture housed in brick and mortar, the desire to expand its accessibility online is both tantalising and challenging.&nbsp;If you can’t see it, touch it, stare in awe at it, will the younger generations still engage with it?&nbsp;During our exploration we learned many things. Notably, we uncovered some underpinnings of traditional museums—particularly those in affluent cities—that might not always narrate an authentic truth. The journey of many artefacts to these establishments has been, at times, fraught with ethical dilemmas and a clouded history. Items that were once unknown are now being identified and better understood. And also, the introduction of modern moments in time that hold weight in the world as we know it now.&nbsp;In such instances, we pondered whether the digital realm offers a way to right these historical wrongs. Can new technology better narrate a more inclusive and truthful history, setting a new paradigm for future generations?In this series, we’re not just looking at the replacement of physical with virtual. We’re analysing the very essence of education, representation, and the experiences we want to impart to future generations.Before we can build something in the World of Us we have to best understand its strengths and weaknesses in the world we live in—IRL. Museum learning has only ever been imagined one way. We want to know what the future holds for these things of the past.&nbsp;

Museums have been around for centuries but what does the future hold for these homes of history

Reimagining Museums as Hubs of Digital Learning

What used to be hosted around the dining room table, transformed into a joystick-driven activity. Now, online access means players don’t have to be in the same room—or even the same country. But even remotely, gaming holds unique benefits.It’s no secret that co-op gaming has changed. For Millennials, this wave of digital collaboration began young and heavily shaped how we approach life’s many twists and turns. And despite it being around for many years, it is widely known that co-operative gaming is still a fan favourite today. Why? Because it’s a chance to team up, rather than to compete.&nbsp;No longer stuck together in a twist of cables, young people today can log in to team up, building friendships across seas in their mission to reach new limits.This wider worldly collaboration might seem distant, but its benefits go far beyond what they once could. Not only do children learn more about people from all corners of the globe but it creates a unique space for fostering teamwork and cooperation. Outside of the world online, this strength in a shared goal can lead to a better understanding of what our world sorely needs—connection and solutions. Check out our latest video to see the evolution of co-operative gaming so far.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A problem shared is a problem halved, and we’ve learned that the same can be said in the world of cooperative gaming

Demystifying Co-Op Gaming

Throughout life we lean on others to guide us. Whether this is with advice on which path to take or to teach us along the way, passing on information they can share about what might lay ahead. The best guides hold knowledge about the past and teach from experience.&nbsp;Much like the allies we look for in the real world, games have long provided guides. These guides can help you explore the game worlds, give you hints to complete levels, or steer you to hidden gems. In <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Alone_(video_game)">Never Alone</a>, the puzzle-platform adventure video game developed by Upper One Games and published by E-Line Media, spirits guide the game play. In games like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_V:_Skyrim">Skyrim</a> you can interact and change guides throughout the gameplay, each one providing you with special insights and skills to advance you.&nbsp;Our game is no exception.&nbsp;WoU needed a guide to take players by the hand and introduce them to the new world we’ve created. Our guide in WoU is there to educate and inform as well as provide a companion for players as they build confidence in connecting with others within the game. They are a host if you will, welcoming each guest into the game and helping them to find their way and to better understand how the World of Us came to be.&nbsp;&nbsp;The name of our wonderful new character? NOLA.&nbsp;Keep an eye out for more on NOLA as we continue to develop this fantastical being and bring WoU to life.

As the World of Us grows, so does its population

 A New Player Has Entered the Game

It’s no secret that water plays a giant part in all of our lives. How could it not? Humans are 60% water after all. In gaming, movies and pop culture water has been depicted as one of the most nurturing, gentle and soft parts of human existence. That being said, it’s also been depicted as power. But when it comes to designing water, how can one create something that’s so delicate and so powerful all at once?In the World of Us game, we’ve decided to use water as one of our key components – amplifying the way it connects our communities across the globe, and how it empowers and enriches the lands around us.&nbsp;For us, water won’t just appear in its traditional forms of rivers, seas and lakes. Water will be a guide to take us on a journey and help us to grow this digital landscape. But like all of the other components, we’ve had to do our research. In the series of ‘Water, Water Everywhere’, we’re going to show you why this fantastic resource holds such value for us and how it will show up in our game and our World, ahem, WoU.Because, when it comes to water, there’s always more beneath the surface.

Dive into one of our most crucial game components 

Water, Water Everywhere

One topic that’s swept the globe in the past decade is that of identity. From pronouns to breaking fashion stereotypes, many conversations have been had – largely by younger generations. With the rise of technology, gaming has become more than just entertainment for young people worldwide.&nbsp;Modern gaming platforms offer opportunities to earn income, carve out careers, and foster meaningful relationships. To become the ideal version of oneself.&nbsp;With more than 3 billion gamers worldwide, and according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269778/gender-identity-worldwide-country/">Statista</a>, 3% of the population is gender non-conforming, then there are 90 million gamers that would benefit from more inclusive games, narratives, and avatar choices.&nbsp;Beyond gaming, we all create, extend, and explore new identities and relations online. Digital identity is the set of attributes that authenticates and describes a person. In gaming, it includes the names, avatars, accessories, achievements, progress, and stories of every character someone has in different worlds. From this perspective, our digital identity can also be seen as the social connections, interactions and reputation within a community and across several platforms. Digital identity should be unique and secure for authentication purposes, but also multiple and fluid when considering expression and social interactions.&nbsp;For younger individuals, it is crucial to prioritize online security. This helps prevent vulnerabilities such as cyberbullying and identity theft, safeguards against privacy concerns, ensures a positive impact on educational aspects, and allows for effective parental guidance.Offline, our identity is unique and multiple. Gender identity, a person's sense of being male, female, fluid, trans, or non-binary is an important aspect to consider when expressing identity online. According to a study mentioned by&nbsp;Times magazine, in the US, around 30% of the people born before 1995 believe there are more than two genders compared to 51% of people born between 1995 and 2012. GenZ are more fluid with their gender expression and do not make a sharp division between their offline and online life.&nbsp;Creating an avatar for a game or a virtual world brings identity to the forefront. For the player, having the possibility of choosing beyond the standard body types, races or genders is important because it allows them to express themselves in the virtual world, as they want others to see them – and to find allies. It also allows for experimentation. This is crucial for young gamers who are exploring their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria to experiment free of physical confrontation.Beyond being represented, feeling included is what matters most. Being allowed to be different, and feeling safe to participate are two different things. Inclusion is about having a voice, being heard and respected as a valuable member of a diverse community. At a personal level, while diversity is a fact, inclusion is a feeling.&nbsp;At times, a unique and secure digital identity safeguards our data. In a game, we might want to be a fantastic creature, while on social apps, a realistic photo profile that matches our personality and gender expression might be the best option. From uniforms to unicorns, identity in the metaverse is also a set of interconnected spectrums. The possibilities are endless, but the struggles are the same both online and offline: gender equality, unconscious bias, racism, classism, and all forms of discrimination. These problems need to be considered and addressed when developing inclusive games and virtual platforms.&nbsp;In this article, we looked at the complexities of digital identity from a personal perspective. From the side of the gamer. But are companies doing their audiences justice? In the next article, we will look further at representation and inclusion in the gaming and fashion industry. Image credits: Open Source Afro Hair Library

The spectrum of identity in gaming

From Uniforms to Unicorns

Ancestrality refers to the connection and knowledge about our ancestors, their traditions, culture, and heritage that are passed down through generations.

Digital Futures refers to the possibilities, advancements, and potential outcomes of technology and digital innovations in shaping our future society.

Digital Inclusion means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to and can benefit from digital technologies and online resources.

Digital Safety refers to generating awareness, taking precautions and adopting practices to protect oneself and others from potential online risks like cyberbullying, identity theft or others.

Digital Safety 

Education Games are interactive and enjoyable digital games designed to teach and reinforce educational concepts, skills, and knowledge in an engaging manner, helping learners retain information more effectively.

Environment encompasses everything in nature, from plants and animals to the climate, and physical ecosystems, and their importance to protect and preserve for a sustainable future.

Future of Education explores the evolving approaches, technologies, and methodologies that will shape the way we learn and educate in the coming years.

"Mythology offers insights into different cultures and their worldview, passing down ancient wisdom and providing narratives that help us understand the human experience and our place in the world."