Policy decisions shape the way our cities evolve. Yet the consequences of those decisions often only become visible years later, making it difficult to fully understand their long-term impact. With serious game Stad op het Spel (“The City at Stake”), we invite participants to experience how different choices can influence the future of a city. Through immersive storytelling, we create space for new perspectives and meaningful conversations.
An serious game experience about the future of our cities
Stad op het Spel is an interactive serious game experience that takes participants into a possible future. Guided by a virtual host, they navigate a series of dilemmas inspired by real-world urban challenges. There are no right or wrong answers. Every decision influences how the world develops throughout the experience.
At the end of the journey, participants are confronted with the future they have shaped through their own decisions. Rather than judging those choices, the experience encourages reflection on the relationships between different policy decisions. What were the consequences of the choices made? And what new questions do they raise?
Why immersive storytelling?
We believe immersive storytelling helps people engage with complex issues from a different perspective. By combining visuals, sound, interaction and narrative, we create an experience that actively involves participants. Instead of simply receiving information, they make decisions themselves and immediately experience the potential consequences of those choices.
This approach is particularly valuable when exploring societal challenges. The fictional setting creates a safe space to examine different perspectives without participants feeling they need to find the “correct” answer.
Developed in collaboration with Advier
Stad op het Spel was developed in collaboration with Advier, specialists in participation, behavioural change and social innovation. From the earliest concepts onwards, the project has been designed as a true co-creation.
Advier contributed its expertise in participation processes and urban development. We translated that knowledge into an immersive interactive experience where storytelling, technology, artificial intelligence and intuitive interaction come together. Throughout the development process, the experience has been continuously tested, refined and expanded to ensure that content and experience reinforce one another.
Selected for the Innovation Impact Challenge
Together with Advier, Stad op het Spel has been selected for the next phase of the Innovation Impact Challenge within the Urban Development programme. This selection gives us the opportunity to further develop the concept and explore how immersive experiences can contribute to participation and policy development.
Over the coming period, we will continue refining the content, interaction and technology. Our goal remains the same: to invite people to look at urban development from a different perspective and encourage meaningful conversations about the choices that shape our living environment.
