Video game inspired by Parkland teens raises awareness for March For Our Lives
As students, parents, and concerned citizens across the United States prepare to march in protest of gun violence on March 24, they can also take part in a virtual and educational journey towards Washington.
To raise awareness for March For Our Lives — an upcoming march on Washington organized by survivors of the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Flordia — art director Martins Zelcs and his friends created a video game called Game For Our Lives.
The online game allows players to become one of three avatars inspired by real Stoneman students— Emma, David, or Delaney — and march to Washington to change gun laws.
Using the space bar, players are prompted to jump over obstacles like supporters of the NRA to reach the offices of governors, lobbyists, and congressmen.
Along the way they're forced to battle their fair share of fake news, misguided arguments, and money-hungry men in suits, all while arguing the benefits of increased gun control laws.
The game's three levels take players on an educational journey, serving as a perfect reminder that by organizing and raising your voice to fight for issues that are important to you, you have the power to achieve real change.
In the weeks following the tragedy that killed 17 members of the Stoneman Douglas community, Zelcs told Mashable that he and his creative partner were "inspired by the courage and determination the kids displayed" and wanted to do something to make them smile.
"We see the game as a tool to create awareness for the march, show support for the movement and celebrate these brave kids," Zelcs added. "The game arms players with facts to help them refute common pro-gun arguments. It also illustrates how ridiculous the situation in this country is, as kids have to go to the White House and ask to change gun laws because no one is doing it and they’re tired of being shot at with assault rifles."
Emma González, one of the student advocates and survivors of the Parkland shooting, showed her love for the effort on Twitter..
"U GUYS GOTTA PLAY THIS ITS SO FUN !! I'm a Teeny Tiny Avatar I'm Laughing so hard this is Amazing," González wrote.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
The March 24 protest will feature Stoneman Douglas student activists, families, and other citizens marching the streets of Washington, D.C., to demand Congress take action on gun control.
In addition to the video game, the march has already inspired 838 other events worldwide, and gained support from celebrities like Oprah, George Clooney, and Steven Spielberg.
Topics Activism Gaming Gun Control Social Good
Nicole is a Senior Editor at Mashable. She primarily covers entertainment and digital culture trends, and in her free time she can be found watching TV, sending voice notes, or going viral on Twitter for admiring knitwear. You can follow her on Twitter @nicolemichele5.
