Ayiti: The Cost of Life

Bad me. I hadn't heard about this game until I read about it on Patrick's blog yesterday, where he provides a very eloquent analysis of the game, its strategies, and the statements that those strategies ultimately make. It's a shame more games are not reviewed or critiqued with such insight.

Thanks Patrick.

I played the game only three times, and got badly dragged into the negative loops each time, though managed to last longer each time. I didn't manage to zero in on a successful strategy as Patrick did (I didn't read his analysis until after I had played it), but am looking forward to going back and seeing if I can do better.

Also interesting is that the game is made by Gamelab - I've met a number a people who work there, including obviously Eric Zimmerman who is way cool, and also Nick Fortugno - one of the three Game Designers listed in the credits. He's a smart guy. I got to talk with him over a few vodkas last year at GDC after the Experimental Gameplay Sessions where he discussed the design behind his game Downbeat. (more info) So congrats also to the Gamelab team for getting this cool game together.

Also of note is the degree of collaboration that seems to have gone on to bring us this game. Gamelab, UNICEF, Global Kids and Microsoft all had a hand in making this game possible. It amazes me how many column inches in both the specialty gaming press and the mainstream press are devoted to covering how evil the game industry is, and how there is little to no coverage of a game like this, nevermind insightful analysis of a game design and it's meaning as Patrick provided.

Comments

[Patrick]

I was thinking something that I neglected to add, the game makes you realize how stuipid school uniform policies are and how hypocritical Christian-run schools are. In regards to the uniforms, they serve as a formal barrier of entry to otherwise affordable public schooling, essentially marginalizing any family that can't affort to invest in preppy clothes. In regards to Christian schools, they offer a good education at a serious price, which seems to contradict the values of charity that Christ espoused.

I'll be sure to include that in another draft for Jay Is Games a.k.a. Casual Gameplay, which I now write for.

[Barry]

Thanks for your inciteful comments about the game and for mentioning the context in which it was created, which Patrick in his otherwise excellent review left out.
Barry Joseph, Global Kids