Categories: Editorial

‘Can you save the world?’ Free, online game teaches children about social distancing


by Shayna Sappington
13th May 2020

Encouraging positive social behaviour, this new computer game is an amazing educational tool for children


A new computer game titled “Can You Save The World?” is rapidly gaining popularity for a unique and important reason.

The game was created by psychologist professor Richard Wiseman, from the University of Hertfordshire, and French game developer Martin Jacob.

How to play

Set on a tiled street in a colourful town, the player must dodge others and maintain a safe distance, while collecting face masks, healthy foods and toilet roll along the way.

As the main player, by avoiding close contact with others and taking the proper precautions, you gain points for saving so many others’ lives.

It is a fun and creative way to not only learn about important lockdown measures but also incentivise children to optimistically view the current global situation.

And, by catering to pro-social gaming, Can You Save The World? encourages positive social behaviours too.

Where to play

The game is completely free and can be played on any computer at: https://martin-jacob.itch.io/can-you-save-the-world

Wiseman and Jacob are currently working on a mobile version of Can You Save The World? which they hope will be available soon.

But seeing how it only took them two weeks to create the computer version, it shouldn’t take them too long at all.

 

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