The PLAY challenge is a new global initiative which seeks to identify video games, digital platforms or products, that use gamification to develop, measure, or certify 21st Century Skills.
What are 21st century skills, you ask? Well this can include developing skills in maths, reading, creativity, music, art, digital skills, problem-solving, or empathy. For your convenience and delight, we include an excellent infographic…
While the term ‘gamification’ may not excite you (it should, but we can say ‘applied games’ if it makes you feel better), the competition is worth your while. There’s a cool $10,000 up for grabs for the winner.
Entrants must be from a country which is a member of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The UK is a member, so you automatically qualify.
Yay.
Entries close on September 11 2020.
Approximately 15 semi-finalists will be selected to participate in the final pitch, which will be transmitted online. A panel of IDB judges will select the winner. The short-listed solutions will be considered within the context of the 21st Century Skills project , and may be implemented in the region.
IDB Education Division Lead Specialist Mercedes Mateo-Berganza, told SGN:
We need to better understand learning mechanisms and how people develop 21st century skills, how they are measured and the effects that they have in the short-, medium- and long-term. The PLAY challenge will recognize educational videogame solutions, platforms and digital products that use gamification to develop, measure or certify these skills.
One important criteria for entries is that the game must be complete, published and in full working order.
For more information, and to enter the competition, visit the PLAY Challenge site.
