UN Releases Disaster Reduction Serious GameUN Releases Disaster Reduction Serious Game

The United Nations, in partnership with UK developer Playerthree, have announced Stop Disaster Game, a new web-playable game aimed at teaching children how to 'respond to and mitigate disasters.' According to the UN, the game takes place across a variety of missions with specific budgets and time limits to save the most lives and livelihoods during simulated hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis or wildfire strikes. The game has been produced in conjunction with the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction as part of its campaign which says "disaster risk reduction starts at school, teaches youngsters how to build safer villages and cities against disasters." Currently available only in English and on the internet, the UN hopes to release a multi-language and DVD format version for children in "remote areas in Africa, Asia and Pacific or Latin America and Caribbean." Said ISDR director Salvano Briceño, "Education is essential for reducing children risks to disasters. Children are the future mayors, architects, builders, school teachers and citizens of tomorrow." "If we teach them about disaster risk reduction from an early age," he added, "they will understand why it is vital to build houses, schools and hospitals in safe locations, to have early warning systems in place and reduce disasters."