Stop Disasters! is a strategy game created by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to educate players about disaster prevention and how to minimize the damage caused by natural disasters.
In the game, players act as contractors responsible for preparing communities to face a specific disaster, such as a tsunami and wildfire. They must manage limited resources to build stronger structures, train people, and implement safety measures before the disaster hits.
The game uses narrative elements to introduce players to different stages of the game, while challenge-based play forces them to make critical decisions to protect as many lives as possible.
MDAO Analysis of Stop Disasters!
Mechanics
The game operates on a point-and-click system on a grid-based map, where players must explore the environment to manage resources to meet goals before a disaster strikes.
Players are tasked with constructing and upgrading buildings, creating defense systems, and training the population, all within a limited time and budget.
Each scenario has specific objectives (e.g., build a school, house people) and generic goals (e.g., reduce damage and loss of life).
Limited guidance is provided, so players learn by trial and error, experimenting with different strategies to fulfill the objectives.
Dynamics
The game’s dynamics revolve around player exploration and decision-making. With the freedom to choose how and where to allocate resources, players develop their own strategies.
However, the lack of detailed feedback or evolving gameplay limits how much players can learn from their actions. The game’s predictability, with similar disasters requiring nearly identical strategies, means players might not feel the need to adjust their behavior significantly between scenarios.
Aesthetics
Challenge is one of the primary aesthetics of the game. Players are tasked with managing time, money, and resources under pressure, adding difficulty to each scenario. Different disaster types and difficulty modes provide varying levels of challenge, keeping players engaged in strategic decision-making.
There is also narrative component in the game where it provides a relevant context (locations with disasters) that might raise awareness on the players about the regional nature and impact of disasters.
Meanwhile, players still have the opportunity to express their preferences in how they allocate resources and build their communities. Each player’s approach may differ based on their understanding of the mechanics and their priorities.
Outcomes
According to the website, this online game teaches adults and children how to build safer villages and cities against disasters. Users learn through playing how the location and the construction materials of houses make a difference when disasters strike and how early warning systems, evacuation plans and education save lives.
MDO of Stop Disasters! generally support its intended outcomes of educating players about the risks associated with natural hazards and promoting support for disaster prevention initiatives. For example, the game mechanics, such as resource management, infrastructure building, and strategic decision-making, might teach players about disaster preparedness and the importance of planning.
However, the minimal character interaction (mechanics) and a lack of urgent feedback (dynamics), results in low engagement and minimal emotional connection (aesthetics) to the events or people they are trying to protect.
