WoU, Who? Meet Rico

This was Dr. Rico's first foray into the digital media and video game industry, and it would prove to be a pivotal moment in their career. “As far as my education goes, I attended the historically Black college Xavier University of Louisiana, Long Island University Brooklyn Campus for my Master's, and Southampton University for my doctorate. I’ve always loved video games and would say they’ve been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I once had to sell my Xbox to pay for student housing, and it was the first time I had to exist without games. I got it back after the second semester, though.” Now, that’s what we call dedication to education.

Currently, they are deeply involved in developing content for our digital platforms, particularly focusing on segments surrounding the World of Us game. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing everything from pitching and scriptwriting to shooting content and workshopping new ideas with our vast team of experts and creators. This work is not just about creating content, but about weaving narratives that resonate with the guardians of young people and makes our work accessible to even more people around the world.

“Kids today are learning in new ways, and games are one of them. This concept is not new, but it is becoming a bigger part of how youth develop both in and outside the classroom. Games have the ability to capture concepts that may seem distant and complex and can show learners, rather than simply telling them, what things are.” Games have the unique ability to demystify complex concepts by allowing learners to experience and interact with them, rather than simply being told about them. “There is a wealth of work that suggests gamification can educate youth. This idea can be found in collections like Woke Gaming, particularly around gaming and the concept of it being a form of activism and, therefore, more than just entertainment.”

“The most exciting part for me so far has been game testing with the kids in workshops. It gives so much insight into how they approach and use the game.” With children at the heart of the mission, regular testing has allowed us to keep adapting our approach to optimise the features we’re introducing. With the help of the young minds we want to see taking on the WoU game, we’ve been able to learn deeper and richer insights as to what it is that makes this age group tick. “Other games, both in terms of their development and the content, are a huge source of inspiration for me. So many kinds of games are out there and they have so much to teach us in our own journey.”

This appreciation for the craft is evident in how they talk about the project, where even the subtlest details—like the use of water elements in WoU—are steeped with deeper meaning. For Dr. Rico, water symbolises transformation and its significance in various civilizations, adding a layer of depth that might be overlooked by players but enriches the overall experience. “I think the design is unique and so is the approach. I think connecting kids and youth through tales and creating a greater global awareness around storytelling and the planet is a big concept and goal. I think gaming is the only way to really tackle this, in comparison to other normative approaches like written literature, traditional film, or a simple classroom teaching.”

On a more personal note, they talk about what has excited them most, “The art style is significant to me because cell-shading is personally one of my favourite digital art styles.” And of course, we had to ask what have been the most crucial lessons learned along the way, “the importance of an interdisciplinary approach is the first lesson that stood out to me. This approach can foster new ideas about established subjects. The second lesson is what a decolonial approach can look like in video game development. The Participatory Art Direction program is a manifestation of this to me, and I think it is something that should be considered and refined for a more standard practice of making games about marginalised groups.”

A closing note for the readers? “I think it’s a one-of-a-kind experience and honestly can’t wait to see kids get their hands on it.”

So there you have it. A huge thanks to Dr. Rico for sharing their work and insights with us. With so much to explore in our game, we’ll be back with another WoU Who? very soon.