the interrupters

The Interrupters

A Game of Conflict Resolution

Overview

• The game is set nine years in the future. In this world, police officers patrolling the streets act more like community mentors.

Premise• The year is 2022…• Police replaced with Mentors who patrol the streets• Mentors move between boundaries (step into people’s living

rooms and kitchens in ways that police would not• Have police training but…• More likely to approach issues using:

– conflict resolution– social work – therapy– friendly advocacy, listening – community diplomacy

• Aim to resolve conflicts & issues in long-lasting ways. • Arresting is not a solution.

• Elected officials• Community Leaders

Gameplay

• Play as one of three Mentor characters

Gameplay (cont’d)

• Mentor gets a call from dispatch and goes to distress site

• Players assess situation• Make decisions via text dialogue options • The player must go to a home, or conflict site,

and make decisions about: a.) how to handle the immediate situation b.) how to uncover, and take actions to resolve the deeper issues beneath the problem.

Example

• Call: Complaint about drunk and disorderly conduct in a building

Learning Objectives

• Players learn conflict resolution strategies via the choices provided in a scenario

• Players learn to look for deeper causes, underlying issues

• Think short term and long term• Players will learn to act as a community leader – make

decisions that benefit individual and community as a whole

• Game provides an opening to discuss shortcomings of current police system

Possible Distress Scenarios• Alcoholism & Addiction• Poverty• Homelessness• Education & Motivation about Future• Teen Rebellion• Family Issues• Youth Violence & Bullying• Financial Foresight• Gang Violence• Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues• Drug Dealing• Depression & Loss• Health and Well-Being

Learning Hypothesis

• Asking youth to serve in decision-making, leadership positions, will activate their core values – encouraging them to step up in real life situations.

Reference Images

Contact

James A. TaylorLearning Technology DirectorGame Changer Chicago (Ci3)jtaylor@ci3.uchicago.edu323-743-0758