14 DAY TRIAL // Sunnyvale, California-based chip maker AMD has announced today the availability of a new “Let the Games Begin: A Toolkit 4 Making Social Issue Games,” designed for non-profit organizations. The new toolkit will enable the development of social issue games, which will be founded on topics such as the environment, energy consumption, poverty and health. According to AMD, the newly-provided toolkit includes examples of successful games with social content as well as in-depth presentations provided by experts in gaming-design industry.
Back in June 2008, AMD, a leading manufacturer of computer processors, launched a new initiative of the AMD Foundation, namely the “AMD Changing the Game.” Back when the initiative was announced, the chip maker said that it was meant to enable the company's processor and graphics products to provide support for the development of digital games designed to help the youth gain knowledge through the specifically-designed game applications.
“AMD Changing the Game has created excellent opportunities for students to express their views on the world while learning important life skills through the experience of creating digital games,” said Allyson Peerman, president of the AMD Foundation. “The Let The Games Begin toolkit is an important resource to inform and educate organizations that are interested in using games as a medium for communicating about important social issues.”
According to the chip maker, the “AMD Changing the Game” initiative is focused on 13 to 18-year-olds, helping them enhance their educational baggage with the help of the increasingly-present computer technology. The program is based on the educational potential of digital gaming, sometimes seen as a source of distraction, taking the youth away from their educational practices.
“Digital games are powerful tools used to engage youth and adults in some of the most pressing social issues we face today. We are excited to unveil the Let the Games Begin toolkit with AMD to help more organizations incorporate digital games in their efforts to make the world a better place,” said Alex Quinn, executive director of Games for Change.
Organizations interested in the toolkit can turn to this page, where a download is available free of charge.