Welcome to chapter two of Demystifying, focusing on artificial intelligence! Our latest video in the series explores how young children are gaining early access to the world of AI through interactive learning tools and games. This signals the dawn of a new development in early years education that will inform our classrooms and job markets of the future.

How will artificial intelligence inform the future of teaching and learning?  

Digital Futures

Future of Education

Demystifying AI in Education

WoU Editor: Hello, dear readers! Today, we have a fascinating conversation ahead about AI's transformative powers in education. Joining us is ChatGPT, an AI language model with some valuable insights to share. ChatGPT, thank you for being here with us!ChatGPT: Hello. Yes, just here to do my job.WoU Editor: Fantastic, let's jump right in. Recent studies are abuzz with the potential of AI in reshaping education. Can you tell our readers what's causing all this excitement?ChatGPT: Absolutely. AI is like that magical tutor who tailors lessons just for you. Imagine a world where your child's learning experience adapts to their unique strengths and styles. AI does precisely that. It's like having a personal coach for each student, boosting their comprehension, engagement, and even motivation.WoU Editor: That sounds like a game changer. But I've also heard about AI-driven assessments. Can you explain how they fit into the picture?ChatGPT: Great question! AI assessments offer real-time feedback, empowering students to take charge of their learning journey. Think of it as having an instant report card, not just at the end of the semester, but after every single lesson. This kind of feedback fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to continuously improve.WoU Editor: Immediate feedback does sound pretty empowering. Now, one of the biggest concerns for parents is accessibility. Does AI tackle this?ChatGPT: Excellent point. AI makes education accessible globally. Virtual tutors and chatbots are available 24/7, breaking down geographical barriers. This means no more worrying about time zones or commuting. It's a whole new level of inclusivity and diversity in learning.WoU Editor: That's a relief for many parents and students out there. But what about our hardworking educators? How is AI supporting them?ChatGPT: AI is a hero for teachers, too. It swoops in to handle administrative tasks like scheduling and attendance tracking, freeing up educators to focus on what they do best: teaching and mentoring. It's like having a trusty sidekick in the classroom.WoU Editor: That's a delightful way to put it. But, of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Privacy and the fear of AI replacing human teachers are common concerns. How do we strike the right balance?ChatGPT: You're absolutely right. Balancing technology with human interaction is key. AI should be seen as a helpful tool, not a replacement. It can enhance the learning experience, but it's the human touch that truly inspires and guides students.WoU Editor: Well said, ChatGPT. As we wrap up this conversation, can you offer any parting thoughts on the role of AI in education?ChatGPT: Embracing AI in education means embracing a brighter, more personalised, and accessible future of learning. It's a dynamic force that enriches the learning experience, preparing students for a future driven by innovation and knowledge. The future is exciting, and AI is here to stay.WoU Editor: Thank you, ChatGPT, for shedding light on this exciting journey into the world of AI in education.&nbsp;Parents, stay curious. Keep an eye on how AI continues to revolutionise learning for the next generation.

Let’s talk to the elephant in the room.

AI in education: in conversation with ChatGPT

One topic that’s swept the globe in the past decade is that of identity. From pronouns to breaking fashion stereotypes, many conversations have been had – largely by younger generations. With the rise of technology, gaming has become more than just entertainment for young people worldwide.&nbsp;Modern gaming platforms offer opportunities to earn income, carve out careers, and foster meaningful relationships. To become the ideal version of oneself.&nbsp;With more than 3 billion gamers worldwide, and according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269778/gender-identity-worldwide-country/">Statista</a>, 3% of the population is gender non-conforming, then there are 90 million gamers that would benefit from more inclusive games, narratives, and avatar choices.&nbsp;Beyond gaming, we all create, extend, and explore new identities and relations online. Digital identity is the set of attributes that authenticates and describes a person. In gaming, it includes the names, avatars, accessories, achievements, progress, and stories of every character someone has in different worlds. From this perspective, our digital identity can also be seen as the social connections, interactions and reputation within a community and across several platforms. Digital identity should be unique and secure for authentication purposes, but also multiple and fluid when considering expression and social interactions.&nbsp;For younger individuals, it is crucial to prioritize online security. This helps prevent vulnerabilities such as cyberbullying and identity theft, safeguards against privacy concerns, ensures a positive impact on educational aspects, and allows for effective parental guidance.Offline, our identity is unique and multiple. Gender identity, a person's sense of being male, female, fluid, trans, or non-binary is an important aspect to consider when expressing identity online. According to a study mentioned by&nbsp;<a href="https://time.com/6275663/generation-z-gender-identity/">Times magazine</a>, in the US, around 30% of the people born before 1995 believe there are more than two genders compared to 51% of people born between 1995 and 2012. GenZ are more fluid with their gender expression and do not make a sharp division between their offline and online life.&nbsp;Creating an avatar for a game or a virtual world brings identity to the forefront. For the player, having the possibility of choosing beyond the standard body types, races or genders is important because it allows them to express themselves in the virtual world, as they want others to see them – and to find allies. It also allows for experimentation. This is crucial for young gamers who are exploring their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria to experiment free of physical confrontation.Beyond being represented, feeling included is what matters most. Being allowed to be different, and feeling safe to participate are two different things. Inclusion is about having a voice, being heard and respected as a valuable member of a diverse community. At a personal level, while diversity is a fact, inclusion is a feeling.&nbsp;At times, a unique and secure digital identity safeguards our data. In a game, we might want to be a fantastic creature, while on social apps, a realistic photo profile that matches our personality and gender expression might be the best option. From uniforms to unicorns, identity in the metaverse is also a set of interconnected spectrums. The possibilities are endless, but the struggles are the same both online and offline: gender equality, unconscious bias, racism, classism, and all forms of discrimination. These problems need to be considered and addressed when developing inclusive games and virtual platforms.&nbsp;In this article, we looked at the complexities of digital identity from a personal perspective. From the side of the gamer. But are companies doing their audiences justice? In the next article, we will look further at representation and inclusion in the gaming and fashion industry. Image credits: Open Source Afro Hair Library

The spectrum of identity in gaming

Digital Inclusion 

From Uniforms to Unicorns

In an era where the idea of a dystopian future has become increasingly prevalent, Solarpunk emerges as a beacon of hope and positivity. This concept, contrasting the popular "high tech, low life" theme of Cyberpunk, envisions a future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously. It's an idea that resonates deeply with our current societal needs - sustainability, community, diversity, and resilience.The Solarpunk movement is more than just a literary genre; it's a cultural phenomenon that has found expression in books, games, and movies. This worldview presents an optimistic, innovative future where technology serves to enhance, not deplete, our natural environment. It's a narrative that inspires us to believe in a better tomorrow, one where we work alongside nature, not against it.As we navigate through these challenging times, it's crucial to share these hopeful narratives with the younger generation. By introducing them to Solarpunk, we offer a vision filled with creativity and the possibility of a better world. These stories have the power to inspire action and foster a mindset geared towards building a future that prioritizes harmony between technology and the environment.In our latest video, we delve into the world of Solarpunk, exploring its principles and how it stands as a necessary counter-narrative to the 21st-century's pessimism. We invite you to watch and join us in contemplating a future where the dreams of today shape a brighter, greener, and more inclusive tomorrow. Let's embark on this journey together, reimagining what our world could become with Solarpunk as our guiding light.

Is there a more hopeful way to see the future? Can we see beyond the dystopian narrative that floods our devices every day? Well, there just might be something that can help. Something that asks us what if technology served us better?

Demystifying Solarpunk: A Vision for Tomorrow's World

We’ve talked about this before and we’ll talk about it again—representation matters. From young ages, people want to see themselves show up on screen and feel the freedom of exploring their identity. Gaming is the perfect solution to this, combining the best of character customization with unlimited worlds to call home.&nbsp;As adults you will know, the world has not been a welcoming place to the LGBTQIA+ community. To this day, people spend large parts of their lives denying themselves the freedom of being who they want to be, hiding from the judgement of others. Online gaming platforms, while no substitute for the comfort of self expression in the real world, do hold many benefits for queer folks.&nbsp;A sense of community and belonging is crucial for living a happy healthy life. No matter your background, finding the people who understand you and your way of living can feel like a light in the dark. Creating spaces where queer individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences and identities is no exception. Games offer a lot of space to be playful and expressive. By their creative nature they are now often adaptable to each player's own choice of journey whether that's where they explore, how they look, or even who their partner will be. Games that allow players to craft their own identities provide the first and arguably most important step in representation. Adaptable playable characters can reflect sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and much more. With this option available, queer representation automatically improves in online gaming—and the power belongs to the players.&nbsp;Another benefit of online gaming is naturally the communities that can be found or formed online. This is most valuable when young individuals are feeling isolated in school, at home, or in social situations offline. Nowadays, many games—and even more gaming communities—actively promote inclusivity and have policies against harassment, making them safer spaces for queer individuals. Keeping spaces like these safe means young people have more access to education around the LGBTQIA+ experience from those who have lived it, or are currently going through the same experience of self-exploration. Games with diverse narratives and characters aren’t just important for people who relate to these narrative. Playing games with characters from a different lifestyle can educate players about different aspects of the queer experience, and help to foster empathy and understanding among non-queer players.&nbsp;Some gaming communities and developers actively engage in advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and awareness, hosting events, fundraisers, and campaigns to support queer causes. These initiatives help to raise awareness and foster greater acceptance within and outside the gaming community where players can take this new perspective with them offline.There are many games on the market exploring and developing the depths of queer representation. Though sometimes met with mixed responses, these characters strengthen the experiences of queer gamers and are crucial to know about when thinking about developing new games.&nbsp;For instance, in The Last of Us, Ellie stands out as one of the first major characters in a AAA title to be a lesbian. Her rich life is filled with grief, but this does not define her sexuality. In Tell Me Why, Tyler became the first leading trans character. Although the game addresses issues related to his identity, he is portrayed as multifaceted and is never subjected to deadnaming—an important detail reflecting many real-life experiences. Sir Hammerlock in Borderlands could have easily become a token character, but he escapes this stereotype with his charm, humor, and engaging missions. His story includes a long, loving relationship that culminates in marriage.As we create the WoU Game, we are actively exploring how young people engage with topics such as self-expression and, deeper within this, gender expression. This is a key step in making sure our game can accommodate all levels of self-exploration within a safe space. Through playtests, young players aged 8-13 have reviewed our avatar creation process and from this we have learned so much about how young people see themselves and the people around them. All of this question asking is never in vain—each of these young people is helping to build a world they want to play and explore in.&nbsp;

How Online Gaming is Opening Up LGBTQIA+ Representation

The Power of Representation

For many people, gaming appears to be a solo endeavour. But with online gaming on the rise it has become a way to connect and communicate with people from all walks of life, from across the globe. For those of us who live able-bodied lives, we experience inter-human connection every day—we even have the luxury of complaining about having too much.&nbsp;For those with disabilities, life can look very different. Even seemingly basic issues such as wheelchair access prevents people from moving around the world as we do. With all these limitations to connecting with people, feelings of isolation are a common experience in that they are 51% more likely to be socially isolated than their able-bodied peers. What if a world where there are no limits could exist to explore freely? Well, for many, online gaming offers just this.&nbsp;Time spent online can offer a whole host of benefits to all of us when done right. It is a chance for them to meet people, play, learn and to explore more independently. Online gaming can play a huge role in reducing feelings of isolation by enabling disabled individuals to connect with others globally. These interactions can lead to friendships and a sense of community—a core human need.&nbsp;Many games offer customizable controls and accessibility options, such as voice commands, adapted controllers, or the ability to adjust visual and auditory settings. This inclusivity allows individuals with various disabilities to participate.&nbsp; Some games are designed specifically for rehabilitation purposes, helping players improve motor skills, balance, and coordination. Virtual reality (VR) games, for instance, can be used in physical therapy to make exercises more engaging. These technologies can be tailored to specific needs, providing immersive experiences that can be both entertaining and therapeutic. Games as we know all too well can help improve cognitive functions, such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. But beyond this they can also provide a safe environment to practice social and communication skills which for some may not manifest in speech or even written text.&nbsp;In the virtual world, physical limitations are often irrelevant. This can level the playing field, allowing disabled gamers to compete and collaborate with others on equal terms. While life online may not include tasks as simple as walking to the store to buy their groceries, in games they can run, fly, swim to get what they need to complete tasks, or perhaps more importantly, whatever they want to spark joy. Success in gaming is an area we often talk about. In young people, rewards can help provide focus and help them to reach goals that might otherwise feel too large or overwhelming by breaking them down into smaller actions. In others, it can boost confidence and provide a sense of achievement in an activity that can be done independently, enhancing the sense of autonomy.Hand in hand with creating moments of autonomy, gaming offers a rich and diverse network of communities. Online communities can offer emotional support and a sense of belonging. Many disabled gamers find solace in these communities, where they can share experiences and advice related to both gaming and personal challenges.By creating inclusive and accessible gaming environments, the gaming industry can continue to provide valuable opportunities for disabled individuals. <a href="https://ablegamers.org/">AbleGamers</a> has been creating opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation for the past 20 years. They work to ensure that people with disabilities have rich well rounded lives that let them be their best selves and to have something to look forward to.&nbsp;In the WoU game development team we’re working to make our game as inclusive and as accessible as we can. Including languages from around the globe and a unified way for inter-player communication. In WoU, players cannot communicate via text or audio, but instead use a universal system of emojis and hand gestures plus text-to-voice automations with the guide, NOLA, offers visually impaired players, or players with reading difficulties a helping hand. On top of this, we have made it possible to play along with a keyboard and mouse or console controller, and players can tailor colors and sounds to their personal needs so every gamer feels comfortable as they explore.&nbsp;As we have found the benefits of rewards to be a key driver in keeping players feeling most of our quests have no time limit. This means players can take more time to solve puzzles and won’t feel frustrated or disheartened.But we didn’t stop there.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/a-new-player-has-entered-the-game">NOLA</a> our guide offers hints as support and has been programmed for positive reinforcement only. If players struggle to complete quests and games there’s plenty of resources scattered throughout the game to keep them motivated and exploring for longer.&nbsp;While we’re proud of the work we’ve done to get this far, through the years we hope to develop even further into the future of accessible gaming.&nbsp;

How We Can Combat Loneliness Through Online Play

Gaming vs. Isolation

When&nbsp;<a href="https://talesofus.com/">TALES&nbsp;</a>began its mission of creating gamified space for young minds to explore the world around us, we knew that studying developing technologies would become a large part of the process.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/">UNICEF Innocenti</a> is a Global Office of Research and Foresight that studies how children and young people interact with the online space and aims to inform policy and advocacy that will eventually help UNICEF and the global community protect the lives and rights of children, young people and families.<a href="https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/reports/responsible-innovation-technology-children">Recent research</a> that was gathered caught our eye, and we wanted to share our favourite insights.&nbsp;In this study, it’s observed that children are spending an increasing amount of time in digital spaces—amplified greatly since the COVID-19 pandemic limited offline interactions for around two years in most countries. With this shift online at a young age, we have to find ways and understand how this shift can equip children and support their success well into adulthood. Gen Alpha have never known a life without the internet, in fact they’ve never known life before the iPad. Where older generations learned how the internet began and the hurdles it overcame, young people these days don’t have this experience under their belts.&nbsp;We all agree that the online world is a great equaliser and is an enormous playground of opportunity. But looking at the benefits doesn’t negate the truth that life online still holds elements that need to be enhanced to provide play in a protected and safe environment. In order to find solutions, first the crucial questions need to be asked: “How should we recognize the opportunities and benefits of digital technology for children’s well-being? What is the relationship between the design of digital experiences – in particular,&nbsp;play-centred design – and the well-being of children? What guidance and measures can we use to strengthen the design of digital environments to promote positive outcomes for children? And how can we make sure that children’s insights and needs inform the foundation of our work in this space?”&nbsp;These questions don’t just apply to our work in multimedia creations—most recently, our WoU Game, they are key questions for any digital creator whose work will be found and engaged with by young people online. With these in mind, digital spaces can be created with safety, fun and education at the forefront of the work. While these things are being studied, researchers also have to keep in mind that each and every day the technology is also developing. This might seem like chasing their own tail to some, but as the makers of WoU we see it only as new ways to reach more people. When creators lean into new technologies instead of, maybe more instinctually, pulling away, we have even more doors that can be opened to bring our vision to life.&nbsp;This project’s primary objective is to develop, with children from around the world, a framework that maps how the design of children’s digital experiences affects their well-being, and to provide guidance as to how informed design choices can promote positive outcomes. Three initiatives were launched to source their results and centred around the impact games can have when applied in varying scenarios.At the same time, not all games are equal: different games support different aspects of personal development depending on how they are designed. The research identified 11 ‘digital play drivers’—deep interests, needs and desires of children that games can respond to if designed for it, through different features or game mechanics.&nbsp;These play drivers are crucial when building a game and help remind and reinforce the goals of gameplay in young people. Our workshops have allowed us to collaborate with young creators to gain even further insights in how and why young people play—and how stories and mythology can translate into educational moments. By going to the source—young people, and places rich in lore—we have developed our work hand-in-hand with the very people who we want to inspire most.&nbsp;If you’d like to learn more about the UNICEF Innocenti report, you can download it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/reports/responsible-innovation-technology-children#download">here</a>. It’s well worth a read if you are a parent or guardian with questions surrounding the ever-expanding digital future we’re entering. In our next piece we will take a look at what digital play drivers are, and how understanding them points young people in the right direction as they continue to explore the world wide web.&nbsp;

A deep dive into how technology use can keep your little ones safe.

Digital Safety 

What Does Responsible Innovation For Children Look Like?

Growing up in Cluj-Napoca, the largest city in Transylvania, Romania, Horea spent as much time as possible exploring the nearby mountains. Not just as somewhere to escape from the buzz of the city but as a source of adventure and inspiration. “Even as a child, I’ve always been interested in two things which are essential to games: technology and arts.”This passion inspired his education first in school and then at the Babeș-Bolyai University. “I studied computer science and got a Master’s Degree in the field back in 2008, studying non-photorealistic rendering (NPR). My paper began with the premise that realistic rendering will someday reach a pinnacle—where everything looks perfectly real.” But Horea didn’t just write about this idea. To demonstrate the various ways we could create this realism digitally, he needed to show it. “As a practical example, I built an AR app which was barely running on my Symbian-based Nokia, that showed off some of these shaders in real time on a pre-iPhone mobile device.” Alongside studies, Horea turned to online tutorials to master 3D artistry and attended in person art classes to hone his 2D skills. “Getting access to these tutorials was really hard. We didn’t have access to the Internet at home in 1998. I went to my mom’s office and had to copy them over on 1.44 MB floppy disks.”That’s right, floppy disks. But this effort for self-improvement was truly worth it. These foundational NPR techniques that Horea learned during this time and mastered since are being applied in the WoU Game we’re building today.&nbsp;So what is a Lead Technical Artist? “I am responsible for making sure that all the graphics look as good as they can—and work the best that they can on all sorts of game systems.” Since 1998, Horea has been working on games with a long-time friend, business partner and mentor, Cristian. “In the beginning just as amateurs of course, but later on we landed a job at a local company to work on an MMO RPG.” That’s a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game for those who aren’t familiar with the acronym. “That game never saw the light of day, but it was here that we connected with our other long time friend, business partner, and art director, Adrian.” In 2013, the team formed their own company: Tractor Set Go! (TSG).&nbsp;“At TSG we’ve worked on numerous projects, mostly in collaboration or for clients outside of our country, like Hash Rush, Time Raiders, Cyber Legends and many “serious games” to be used privately to teach employees how to use technologies or to learn about their company.”With a solid background in both programming and art, problem-solving comes naturally now. “I bridge the gap between programmers and artists and I really enjoy this sort of work and communication.”&nbsp;“Games, like other forms of art, are an essential vessel through which children learn. When they spend time in these virtual worlds they get to experiment with different choices, they experience fascinating worlds, and they develop dexterity.” When art and entertainment are combined with the right mechanics, Horea believes games have the power to educate. “Just like a good story, when a child is immersed in the virtual world, they want to learn all about it. So it’s a great opportunity to teach about plants and animals, for example, since the brain is so open to this influx of information.” This immersive experience is also known as <a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/how-can-young-gamers-find-their-flow">flow state </a>and if harnessed has great potential for young minds. “The development of WoU is guided by the core principles of the game: to educate responsibly while having fun and collaborating.”&nbsp;In order to create a game about the world, the WoU team relies heavily on input from those who know these unique areas best. The various cultural studies and natural science information requires expert insights to make sure they’re not just being reflected accurately online, but also retold by the right storytellers. “I’ve been part of the Romania PAD team, and our task was to breathe in the world within the very special enclave that is the Danube Delta. We’ve met people with truly unique stories—their life is secluded from the mainstream, the environment can be so extreme, you feel you’ve entered a different world.” “The choice to tell stories through local myths I think was an excellent one. Myths have two qualities essential for this game: they represent cultures very well and they are easy to grasp even for the younger audience.”Despite being from Romania there was still plenty that can be learned from embracing nature with new eyes. “One day, very early in the morning, we set out on the Danube canals with a local fisherman and guide, Ionut. He convinced us that that’s the time nature feels the most alive, before the motor boats come scaring away all the birds, and succumbing to all the delicate sounds of the waters and reeds. He was, of course, right. Slowly paddling in kayaks, talking in whispers while strolling through the canal waters shimmering in the golden light of the rising sun, a new world opened to us.”“The whole experience was so revealing about this aquatic, strange world, and how the ecosystem works together. The design of the WoU lands I think is a beautiful example of how multiple cultures and biomes can be represented in a single game.” It’s not just nature where Horea finds inspiration. Movies, especially Nordic films, also have been sources of truth when it comes to understanding humans and nature and what can happen in the wilderness.&nbsp;As a visual lead on the project, we were curious to find out what the most exciting detail in the game design is for Horea. “When you are navigating through the level, the sky is your compass. It has different colours for each section of the world, so you know in which direction to go. We’ve had to write a very interesting shader for that to work and I hope our players will appreciate it!”&nbsp;Well, we have certainly appreciated these insights into Horea’s work and all that is still to come from this journey.

Meet Horea, the Lead Technical Artist on the WoU Game, whose passion for technology and arts is bringing our online world to life

Educational Games

WoU, Who?

When we think about the games we have played, we often reminisce about our favourite characters or the challenge that had us stuck until someone gave us the missing piece of the puzzle. It is not often that we sit and think about the colours. But when it comes to creating a game—like our WoU developers—colours play a much more important role then you might think.&nbsp;When we play, we are switching our brains off from the usual routines and ways of the world and opening them to new possibilities. Things might be very similar to the real world or they might be entirely fictional. Colours however have ingrained meanings that our brain interprets and can set a tone that we understand subconsciously. For instance: red can create feelings of urgency, danger, or excitement and blue often induces calmness, trust, or sadness. By understanding these basics of colour theory game designers are able to help the player better understand the new world around them.&nbsp;On the subject of understanding the world around them, colour is often used as a tool in gaming to help players identify factors such as where to go or what to interact with along the way. Hints like these could sparkle in lighter colours or glittering gold and help to make the game more intuitive. A well-thought-out colour palette also enhances the visual appeal of the game, making it more attractive to players and shows them the sort of game that they are going to be playing.Colours help in establishing the atmosphere and theme of different game levels or environments. Dark, muted colours might appear in a horror game to create a sense of fear and suspense, while bright, vibrant colours might be used in a fantasy game to create a whimsical and magical world. By doing this players find it easier to lose themselves in the experience, often feeling more connected with the character’s role and feel a heightened sense of inclusion in the journey—wherever it may take them.&nbsp;Lesser understood but equally important, the world of colour theory is also important when it comes to accessibility. By understanding colour contrast and using patterns or symbols in addition to colour, designers can ensure that important information is distinguishable for all players. This consideration helps in creating inclusive games that can be enjoyed by everyone. And that really should be our goal at the end of the day.When it comes to the WoU game, our designers have put together a world of tranquil colours found in nature—as witnessed with their own eyes. Whether this is the rich colour of fruit fresh from the branches of a tree or the time of day we’re depicting. We have a night area, a dawn area and two areas with sun and clouds. This has also its effect on the colours and experience for the player. In the night area, elements in the Shadow Forest light up when players connect and interact with the space. There is plenty of colour in nature and also in the patterns from the areas of the globe we have drawn our inspiration from. Patterns play a large role in our game, and have been found around the globe in traditional pottery, fabrics and architecture.&nbsp;Choosing how we implement colour is essential for creating visually appealing, emotionally engaging, and intuitive gaming. Our game designers truly are magicians in how they weave together all these elements and we can’t wait for you to be able to play and see for yourself the power of it all when it comes together.

How Colours Play a Role in the Way We Interpret Games

Crafting Colorful New Worlds

Known by many things—“in the zone”, or “locked in”— it’s a feeling often sought after but not fully understood.&nbsp;You may have experienced it yourself—out on a run where you feel unstoppable or even cleaning the house—a feeling where everything just seems to work and make sense. This magical feeling is more commonly known as&nbsp;flow state.&nbsp;Flow State has a host of cool features to unlock such as: time seeming to pass quickly, and individuals experiencing a sense of effortless control and deep enjoyment. Getting into the flow of things is a mental state of complete absorption and focus in an activity. It was first described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his seminal work&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/66354">"Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience."</a> Just like in sports, art, and music creation, achieving flow in gaming involves a deep sense of concentration, enjoyment, and a feeling of being "in the zone." In young kids, flow state might look like an afternoon spent putting together a puzzle. Celebrating the wins of matching pieces is much like the flow state that can be found through digital gaming.&nbsp;For kids, one of the most rewarding parts of gaming can be the achievements games unlock along the way—whether that’s medals, trophies or tools to play on. The strategic thinking applied when gaming combined with these frequent rewards is a great way to get flow state started. Not only that, but the problem solving in games is often transferable to everyday living and helps to get kids thinking about larger issues in smaller, more digestible chunks and may also encourage decision-making surrounding others and public spaces that could impact the environment the digital world provides.&nbsp;We’ve learned a few steps that can go into finding flow in gaming. The player needs to find the level or play just challenging enough that it seems completable without the disheartening frustration from taking on a task that’s too hard. The feeling that you’re looking for is a sense of “optimal challenge.” Receiving small rewards or indication you’re getting closer to a larger goal will drive players to focus deeper on the little wins and trigger a bunch of sensors to tell you now is the time to focus more than ever. By mentally structuring tasks one at a time the success rate is higher and therefore the flow can take over.&nbsp;For parents, the world of gaming still might feel too all-consuming. There are a couple of tips we have for tackling this concern. Firstly, join in! Playing games might not be your idea of quality time, but they’re a great way to bond with your kids and to check first-hand that the game promotes healthy topics for young minds. You might find some flow of your own! Secondly, when group gaming isn’t possible try to encourage time limits or breaks in play. They don’t have to be too rigid but should mark times to switch off and get back to like IRL. And finally, and probably the most simple option, ask questions. Kids want to tell you about their achievements and gaming is no exception. The more you show an active interest in their online play the more you’ll know where the limits are.World of Us is currently being designed to optimise flow—and enjoyment—so that players can lock in on building skills that help to protect and educate young people about the world we live in today. The game, which brings in tales from around the globe, has creative, collaborative, and strategic challenges that are tailored to young developing minds. This means the challenges they set to solve are creating that ‘optimum challenge’ and unlocking more opportunities for flow as play continues. As guardians we want you to play along, too. This world may be for kids but there’s so much guardians can learn from. We’re creating resources that can help you start crucial conversations. Topics, such as culture, mythology, history, nature, won’t just help your children learn but may just open new worlds for you, too.

Flow states, often seen as mythic, truly exist and can make gaming twice as fun.

How Can Young Gamers Find Their Flow?

“Mama, Papa, I have come up with a new game. Do you want to play it with me?”In youth, life is a game. We make games to pass the time, to explore the world around us, and to collaborate with others. The games we create are shaped largely by where we are. In warmer climates, playing outside inspires the rules and boundaries of games. Where it is often cooler, games are created in more contained, indoor spaces—though imaginations can still run free. Our surroundings, culture, and history shape the way we come up with these games and their rules. We learn right from wrong and how to play fairly. With these skills we are preparing for life as adults—even if we don’t realise it at the time.&nbsp;Our mission at <a href="https://talesofus.com/">TALES</a> has always been to create space and help tell the stories of those who want to be heard. When we began creating the World of Us game we knew that showcasing myths and histories through games could help reach and engage the younger generation and their curious minds. Who better to create these games than young people themselves? In 2021, TALES began hosting workshops, inviting bright young minds to come together to write, design and create their own minigames—based on the world as they know it.&nbsp;From these workshops we saw an amazing opportunity.&nbsp;We wanted to give young digital creators their own platform to highlight their work and the tales of the localities we work in. So, we made sure to keep developing their ideas so that even more people can learn from their stories. Whether they had a great idea or if they had the tools to build their digital journeys, we were able to support in sharing these incredible worldviews and talents. Minigames are, quite simply put, smaller games found within a larger game. By creating these games within the World of Us Game we are able to tell more stories throughout the journey.&nbsp;In this series—Making Minigames—we are going to take you through how we have brought these ideas to life, who are the creative minds behind the games, and the local myths and histories that inspired them.&nbsp;All the games we’ll talk about will be available to play in the Wandering Isles inside WoU. Follow the series to find out how you can play along and support young game designers in the process. The first game we’ll be sharing is&nbsp;Amana. Stay tuned.

Discover the hidden gems that lie within the World of Us game. 

Making Minigames: Behind the Scenes

With about 71% of the earth’s surface covered by water in one form or another it’s no surprise that it is frequently found in our online worlds. Water is referred to in many ways. In some, it is dramatic and full of secrets of the deep, in others it trickles and gently flows bringing life to natural surroundings. But we believe its greatest quality is the connection it creates.&nbsp;In nature, water is not just valuable for humans but also for plants, animals, and shaping the land. It is the thing that keeps grass green and helps trees grow to magnificent heights. It also serves as a watering hole for local animals and plants bringing wildlife to meet for one common purpose—to hydrate. In our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/water-water-everywhere">previous article</a>, we pointed out that humans are on average 60% water. This means that water, in one form or another, has to play a role in the world around us—and online worlds are no exception.&nbsp;In gaming, water can take many forms. RPG (role-player games) often use water as a measure of health, highlighting the importance that water is a crucial part of staying active when taking on adventures both big and small. Farming-simulation games are a great example of water being required in online nature. Without watering crops, much like in real life, plants wither and die and it is the player's role to manage and care for the needs of the unique plants and any farmyard animals. No matter the location—a desert, a forest, or a beach—water will appear.&nbsp;Another moment water appears in gaming is to explore. Swimming or the use of&nbsp; boats unlock new corners of maps and, much like in the real world, allows players to experience different terrains, foods and cultures. But sometimes travel can be more creative. For example, in Pokémon, water type Pokémon can be taught to swim allowing players to explore without the need for a ferry and opening the door to even more unique experiences on other lands and at sea.&nbsp;Look at any map of the world and you will notice, water is often defined by the countries it separates. But what if we were to flip this narrative and see water as our global connector?In the WoU game, all things “water” have been designed with purpose. Our game guide,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/a-new-player-has-entered-the-game">NOLA</a>, was inspired by water’s fluidity to create a being that was not rigidly defined by any single appearance of any one location or gender. Water in WoU can also grow seeds—much like in farming-simulation games—except with an added twist of requiring collaboration with other players. It’s also how players will travel. Waterways that connect the lands are the fastest way to explore. Most importantly, the water we have designed is inspired by human and natural truths. Not just how we use it but how it looks and sounds. Researching our real world opened our eyes to how we want water to be interacted with in the World of Us.&nbsp;Next in our series, we’ll be diving deeper into how the WoU game will be using water to connect players and encourage exploration.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Recreating the power of this unique resource in a digital world.

Environment

Water, Water Everywhere: A Global Connector

In pop culture, many know avatars as the giant blue beings from Pandora, or as Aang the young (112-year-old) boy frozen in ice who must master the four elements. But avatars have existed long before these stories were created. In fact, many millenniums ago.&nbsp;The word "avatar" comes from Sanskrit and translates to the embodiment of a powerful being or god in a different form. In Hindu tales, the best-known avatar is Vishnu, who takes human form to restore righteousness.&nbsp;Some people translate "avatar" as "incarnation"—this theme appears in the animated TV series Avatar: The Last Airbender—but they're different. "Incarnation" suggests being born in flesh, but the term "avatar" suggests a mythical form. In Hinduism, avatars represent spiritual perfection and noble goals.But since its Hindu origins, the term avatar has expanded and grown in its interpretations, taking various forms in popular culture. During the development of digital chat forums, they became a name for the icons we create online to identify ourselves. Very much like Hindu interpretations, taking a mythical form, albeit just for the earthly purpose of chats.&nbsp;But it did catch on.Soon after, it popped up in games. Avatars allowed us to transform as deities were once said to have— this time in an online world. In gaming, avatars now commonly refer to the characters we put ourselves into. The British online game pioneer Richard Bartle has been researching the topic since the mid-1980s and points out the following: “Many people who write about avatars actually mean characters, but they don't understand the difference. Avatars are puppets, characters are simulacra. However, neither avatars nor characters are people. They still have something to do with the absorptive power of online worlds. There is a level of immersion that goes even deeper than the character: the role.”Playing as avatars offers a unique form of freedom for children, allowing them to explore identities and worlds without the constraints of the physical realm. This playful immersion can foster creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and boost confidence as they navigate through various scenarios and interact with others globally. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about expanding horizons and understanding diversity in a safe, controlled environment, enabling kids to learn and grow in ways that were unimaginable just a generation ago. Encourage your child to embrace this digital playground with open-minded curiosity.In the World of Us game, players’ Avatars can roam and explore, take up an identity, and a new style and if they feel like they may just don a new personality. The idea is to play, right?&nbsp;

Some know them only as James Cameron’s large alien creatures but avatars have an origin all of their own—and it may surprise you. 

Avatars: A Short History

Marcela’s journey is a tale worth exploring. It began with the mission to do good and has taken many routes in how that looks throughout the years. Today, that work looks like creating experiences with and for our communities through co-creation and multiple different frameworks that employ the single-minded objective of how we can do better—together.&nbsp;“I have followed a non-traditional career path. I studied chemistry at university because I dreamed of making a positive impact on the cosmetics industry by creating products with natural ingredients. I came to the conclusion that the industry's direction was heavily influenced by marketing departments. Therefore, to encourage a shift towards more conscious consumption, it needs to be driven by consumers who must be equipped with information on topics they may not be fully aware of.” Marcela’s research and development skills were not lost along the way. She began to work towards producing experiences that foster community and facilitate clear communication. “This journey led me to the opportunity to design experiences for TALES. It all began in Brazil through a partnership with the AfroGames project in Rio de Janeiro, where children from a favela learn how to develop video games. Gradually, we expanded our reach and activated all the localities we work with today.”“My creative process is inspired by cooking. It begins with the selection of ingredients. Consciously making decisions and ensuring I am well-informed about the ingredients, I can assess my own needs and desires daily to craft each meal.” Much like life in the kitchen, game design incorporates a blend of mixing, connecting, and designing the final presentation. “I aim to engage all my senses throughout the process. It's a daily exercise that trains my brain for moments of interaction—whether it's talking, reading, or, most importantly, listening to people—as if I were preparing the next culinary experience.”When it comes to game development, Marcela shines in crafting the journey. “I don't possess a specific background in this field. Rather, my expertise lies in designing experiences tailored to specific targets by comprehending their behaviours and needs through tech to facilitate a positive impact.” Large parts of the game require us to understand how users will interact not only with the tools of the game but with each other. This mindset means her skills are creating a narration within the game and ensuring that the game we make is tailored to the players.&nbsp;Marcela’s most exciting moment at TALES so far occurred during the collaborations with the Game LABs initiatives—in India, Romania and Brazil. This initiative was created to empower the communities to tell their histories and mythologies through game creation. “Just being able to be close to them and learning from them and knowing that the work we create not only inspires me on a personal level but will also help inspire hundreds of people down the line.” Exploring the relationship each of the four localities have with the mythologies was an eye-opener. “Working with four cultures that are so rich and powerful, the creators truly care and want to protect how the narratives will be perceived by others. Young developers are creating games that become tools of communication with the future generations.” Marcela’s role was to not only facilitate these experiences but to translate them back into the TALES core team. “It is super interesting to me to be this bridge between the localities and our core team to exchange this information in a way that we can all learn together and ultimately translate it into the game we are building.”As the game develops, inspired through all this collaboration we asked what she feels best describes this moment in the journey. “The complexity of the creative process behind every design aspect within the game, along with the multitude of hands, time, and effort required to meticulously craft each piece. The collaboration is what makes it work. Knowing that there are numerous minds from around the world that have influenced every decision and aspect of the game's creation - it’s mesmerizing. .”As the World of Us game develops, we’re always asking ourselves what will be the best moment in the game’s release. For each person it’s different based on their interests and role in its creation. “The WoU game will serve as a space for the exchange of ideas and ancestral knowledge.” And the goal for Marcela? “To foster curiosity and inspiration in young people’s lives. I hope that the interpersonal connections formed within the game, as well as those with the environment, will be unique, planting seeds within users that they can carry into the real world.”&nbsp;We cannot thank Marcela enough for the insights into their role in this journey we’re undertaking. Next up on our Makers agenda:&nbsp;Horea from our Game Development Team. Watch this space or follow us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/worldofus_wou/">@worldofus_wou</a> to learn more.&nbsp;

Meet Marcela Zanon, from research and development in chemistry to our Head of Community Engagement and Events. 

Since joining the TALES, Veronica has led the team to all sorts of milestones. Our Game Producer, responsible for keeping this epic project on the move, sat with us to discuss the World of Us, what it means and how they contribute to the collaboration.&nbsp; “I used to work at Rockstar Games, in their Performance Production department. During my time there, I worked very closely with the directors, writers, actors, engineers, and animators to help create audio environments and performances that would completely immerse a player. I quickly learned how much detail and effort goes into every single moment of a game.” So, how does the World of Us project stand up against one of the world’s best-known gaming companies? “This is my first time working on such a collaborative project. When I joined, I expected more rigidness with what TALES was asking the Digital Creators to make. Instead of giving them a list of what they needed to make for the WoU, we provided a generic list of assets as a guide of what can be featured in-game, but they were welcome to go ‘off book’ if they wanted.”World of Us is, as its name implies, a global project. And with this, some areas need to be navigated more carefully. “There are a lot of different time zones to keep in consideration.” Keeping track of the people is as important as keeping track of the work. “It’s important to make sure tasks are finished and milestones are achieved, but also that everyone has the support they need to do their job.” Thinking with such a global mindset has been part of Veronica’s way of living since childhood. “My parents are flight attendants, which allowed me and my sister to travel and experience as many different cultures and customs as possible from a very young age.”She’s been fortunate enough to understand the impact of the representation of local cultures. “We have trees and bushes coming from the Danube Delta and Kouilou, and flowers and animals from Acre and Kerala. This matches with what the Digital Creators saw on their trips, and the game is more authentic because of it.” While the World of Us may be a digital escape, the inspiration that has been drawn to create it stays as true as it can to local lore and landscapes. Why improve on the things we love, eh?No stranger to collaboration in her role, Veronica couldn’t hold back on the value of a strong team. “We would be lost without our Game Designer, Anna’s, brain! We can see from the assets being created what comes from allowing the team to have more input on what they create and why.” This way of working together isn’t the industry standard and that’s why we think it pushes the work to include even more insights and create a more well-rounded environment. “The experience is part of the learning process.” We couldn’t agree more.&nbsp;Coming from a background in entertainment, including Television Production, an educational game isn’t necessarily the most obvious next step. But that doesn’t stop her from dropping some excellent truth bombs. “You can teach more than one lesson with game design. For example, a mission can be as simple as finding 5 animals. The main “lesson” is that the player learns about different animals, but to find the animals it involves logic, deductive reasoning, and maybe even collaboration from other players.” But when it comes to a game designed to teach and enrich young minds there are many things that need to be taken into consideration. “The themes aren’t necessarily topics you’d learn in a classroom setting, sometimes they’re more subtle.” Nowadays, academic education takes precedence over a lot of emotional education. In World of Us, we’re looking to find a balance. “This game also teaches players how to communicate without using words. They will need to reach out to other children for help and trust that working with someone new can help them complete a puzzle or plant a seed.”&nbsp;And our final question, what would make this project a success? “We’d love it if a child in a grocery store is able to spot a fruit their avatar ate in the WoU. Then we know we’ve done our job.”A massive thank you to Veronica for allowing us to pick her brain. Next up on our 'WoU, Who?' agenda:&nbsp;Marcela Zanon who steadfastly holds the reins of Community and Engagement.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Meet Veronica Stroever, and get access-all-areas insights from our Game Producer

WoU, Who? 

Ancestrality refers to the connection and knowledge about our ancestors, their traditions, culture, and heritage that are passed down through generations.

Ancestrality

Digital Futures refers to the possibilities, advancements, and potential outcomes of technology and digital innovations in shaping our future society.

Digital Inclusion means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to and can benefit from digital technologies and online resources.

Digital Safety refers to generating awareness, taking precautions and adopting practices to protect oneself and others from potential online risks like cyberbullying, identity theft or others.

Education Games are interactive and enjoyable digital games designed to teach and reinforce educational concepts, skills, and knowledge in an engaging manner, helping learners retain information more effectively.

Environment encompasses everything in nature, from plants and animals to the climate, and physical ecosystems, and their importance to protect and preserve for a sustainable future.

Future of Education explores the evolving approaches, technologies, and methodologies that will shape the way we learn and educate in the coming years.

"Mythology offers insights into different cultures and their worldview, passing down ancient wisdom and providing narratives that help us understand the human experience and our place in the world."