The selection makes clear one of our underlying themes, which is that Game Designers can Save The World through their skills.However, as much as we love to use our skills for projects that help specific industries, our core DNA remains anchored in video game development.
That’s why a project we've been working on alongside A Squared Games, CTS Agency, and the drug-free education initiative Better Without It, has become something of a rallying point for our team.
CTS Agency developed its campaign to empower Gen Z to choose a substance-free life. The campaign highlights positivity and encouragement to impact substance-usage numbers.
"As Gen Z is traditionally on Smartphones, the team at CTS thought a video game component could help get the message across," said Carolyn Capern of CTS.
“If you want to create an initiative that resonates with teenagers, mobile gaming is an essential strategy to consider,” she said. “302 Interactive helped our agency team produce a game that is memorable and fun. More than that, however, they also helped us create an experience that empowers teens to make the choice to be better without drugs and alcohol.”
302 Co-Owner Eric Peterford said the company’s ability to use video game experience gives them a unique perspective when tackling problems in other fields. Because of the team’s experience with video games, building around an educational message came natural. “The fun doesn’t have to be sacrificed to have a good message,” said Peterford, who has spent hours playing games like “The Last of Us,” “Rocket League” and “WWF Smackdown.” “It’s not a game that will feel educational or serious if I’m having fun and getting the message across without it being slammed in my face.”
The narrative structure is paired with a Beat Saber-like rhythm game. The game should be ready for its public debut by the end of the month. Peterford said striking a balance between being educational while also being entertaining was a challenge. “But I think we found it,” he said.
The Better Without It campaign supports organizations in Central Florida, including Brevard Prevention Coalition, Eckerd Connects, Orange County Drug-Free Office, Seminole Prevention Coalition, and the Osceola Recovery Project. As part of its most updated campaign, the organizations wanted a small sliver of it to be a video game on the mobile app stores.
302 pitched them the design and idea behind the game. “We didn’t want it to be too preachy.” “We wanted to find a balance that was less ‘drugs are bad’ and more about ‘these healthy habits are better,’” Peterford said. “The game does a fantastic job of subtly reinforcing the choice to nurture healthy habits like running and music, instead of using drugs and alcohol,” Capern added.
As more sectors jump into a technology-driven economy, skills like game development will enhance their roles in society. The fact that Orlando happens to be a hotbed of these skills cannot be overstated. At 302, our developers’ backgrounds have contributed to most of the projects we've built. “It’s awesome to be able to do what we live for and went to school for,” Peterford said recently. “But it’s a huge plus if we can benefit and impact people on that level.”
