The Victorian government are sanctioning a game designed to combat homophobia

The Andrews Labour government are working in collaboration with the Victorian Aids Council, Victoria University and Victorian games studio, Mighty Games, to create a smartphone game designed to combat homophobia.

The game will give players insight into the experiences of LGBTI individuals, seeing things from the queer perspective and demonstrating some of the prejudices and discrimination they face. The intention of the game is not only to highlight these issues but to modify behaviour in the player and move the player to a more understanding and accepting viewpoint.

“Creativity can play a powerful role in promoting understanding, and this project is one of the ways we are working to bring about positive social change for the LGBTI community and for all Victorians” said Martin Foley, Minister for Creative Industries and Minister for Equality. “We look forward to working with Mighty and the project partners to create a game which will be available to people across the state, the nation and the globe.”

The game will reportedly focus on family acceptance, stating that family acceptance “is the biggest factor influencing the health and wellbeing of LGBTI people and this project will provide a new way for families and others to approach these issues.”

The game is also apparently taking inspiration from Metro Trains’ award-winning ‘Dumb Ways to Die’ games, using fun methods to send a serious message.

The game will eventually be free to download and is due out in late 2018. For more information, read the full story here.

What do you think of the new initiative?