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Uncover the inspiring Solarpunk movement in our latest article, where we explore a future where technology and nature coexist for a sustainable, diverse, and resilient world. Dive into this optimistic vision that counters dystopian narratives and inspires hope for the younger generations.

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?

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.

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

Digital Futures

Demystifying Solarpunk: A Vision for Tomorrow's World

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Meet Horea, the Lead Technical Artist on the WoU Game

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

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.

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.

Educational Games

WoU, Who?

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Explore how young gamers can achieve a flow state, enhancing fun and fostering skills through focused, rewarding gaming experiences.

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

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.

How Can Young Gamers Find Their Flow?

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Explore the creation of minigames within the World of Us game and the young minds behind them.

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

“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.

Making Minigames: Behind the Scenes

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Explore the unique role of water in digital worlds and its power to connect and sustain life.

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

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;

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.

undefined A-Z	undefined A-Z
Demystifying Solarpunk: A Vision for Tomorrow's World	Igor Morais and World of Us	Dec 27 2024	Digital Futures
WoU, Who?	Horea Trinca and World of Us	Jul 22 2024	Educational Games
How Can Young Gamers Find Their Flow?	World of Us	May 23 2024	Digital Futures
Making Minigames: Behind the Scenes	World of Us	May 17 2024	Educational Games
Water, Water Everywhere: A Global Connector	World of Us	May 16 2024	Environment