Piloting a Game Jam in Nigeria to Support Empathy and Compassion

Abstract

While games may help to support skills practice and attitudinal change, the game creation process itself may also be effective in enhancing empathy and compassion for other people. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages amid its 200 million people. We aim to enhance perspective-taking, empathy, and compassion across different ethnic groups using game jams in public schools in Nigeria. In 2021, we piloted a game jam focused on identity exploration and perspective-taking for students ages 12 to 20. Initial results and next steps are shared.