What is cyberbulling?
Cyberbullying consists of repeated malicious actions, in a public or restricted setting, which can take multiple forms: insults, intimidation, threats, rumors, the publication of compromising photos or videos, etc. These actions can be carried out by a single person or by several individuals and take place on social networks, messaging platforms, forums, blogs, etc.
The consequences for the victims are real and can be quite serious:
depression, dropping out of school or work, psychological or emotional disorders, violence, and even suicide.
Cyberbullying is punishable by law, which provides for severe penalties against its perpetrators. Nonetheless, it is easy for cyberbullying to fly under the radar, until it is too late.
Creation of an investigative video game to raise awareness and take action against cyberbullying
Cyberenquête is a video game in which the player takes on the role of a teenager making their way through junior high school. As they progress through the game, they will need to collect evidence and make choices that will have consequences.
Using video games to tackle a difficult subject is a great way to communicate with a young audience. Our game is an engaging, educational, and interactive tool that allows teenagers to face different realities: being a victim, a bully, or a mere witness. Playing a narrative game with branching choices helps them understand the impacts of their decisions and the responsibilities that come with them. With "Cyberenquête", they experience situations they might encounter in their daily lives. The game provides them with the keys to face these situations.
Experts in information and communication sciences, digital sciences, child psychology, and delinquency prevention have been involved in designing this tool.
Objectives for this game about cyberbullying:
- Raise awareness about the challenges and impacts of cyberbullying.
- Encourage children to speak up.
- Provide tools to help protect against such situations.
Cyberbullying is part of a comprehensive approach to engage with teenagers
The game is the cornerstone of the program initiated by Instant Science, serving as a pretext to introduce basic information for future discussions.
In a second phase, a facilitated discussion is led by social mediators to debrief and dive deeper into the experience. Students can then share their in-game and real-life experiences, ask for additional information, and receive support if needed.
It comes with an educational kit (downloadable), intended for teachers, school administrators, or associations.
Creation of a "visual novel"
Cyberenquête is the third "visual novel" developed by the studio. We're starting to build significant expertise in creating these branching investigative video games!
Artistic direction
Play Curious chose the artistic direction as well as designed the interface. The illustrations were entrusted to Yann Lennenan, who skillfully met the request to represent the diversity of adolescents typically found in schools. Cyril Liéron was responsible for rewriting the two scenarios provided by Instant Science. He used his expertise to help bring this project to life.
Game development
Play Curious handled development and deployment of the game. We chose the technology to meet the accessibility needs of users. Players can play on mobile, desktop, or tablet, and the game adapts to their preferred platform.
Developed in HTML5, the game is supported by all types of browsers without needing to be downloaded. It is accessible from any location, whether at school or at home, allowing students to continue their game. Play Curious was responsible for the graphic design, development, and deployment of the game.
Want to Try the Cyberenquête Video Game?
The National Agency for Territorial Cohesion, Tremplin Asso, France Médiation, Citéo, Instant Science, and Play Curious partnered to create this tool to open a space for dialogue about cyberbullying.
Credits:
Illustrations: Yann Lennenan
Writing assistance: Cyril Liéron
Artistic direction: Thiebault Courot
Development: Jesse Himmelstein and Samuel Niccoli
