[Coworker] Mar, how can video games have a social impact on Humans live?
Hey Mar, thanks for giving us some of your time! Could you start by telling us more about you?
I’m working on Video Games Without Borders (VGWB), and NGO who believes that video games can improve lives and build a better planet. We make Video Games to create a social impact based on the Sustainable Developments Goals.
I’m a proud communication director, a nice piece of an amazing international team.
Our first VG, Antura and the letters is a free mobile and PC game that mixes the best entertainment technology with specific Arabic pedagogical content in order to offer an engaging learning experience.
The video game was a response to the EduApp4Syria call, an initiative to spread literacy among migrants displaced by conflict.
The game was play tested in an open beta phase since March 2017 and verified independently to show improvement in the educational and psychosocial development of children.
This final version is shaped by the feedback and data collected during the testing phase. The educational approach is a blend of phonics instruction and iterative pattern recognition, which creates a meaningful learning experience and explains the logic behind the Arabic language. Each step of the game focuses on a specific pedagogical objective and then reinforces the learning with rewards and assessments. These rewards unlock items to customize Antura, the fun loving dog, who accompanies them on their journey to literacy. Once downloaded, the entire game can be played offline.
And now we are working on new video games.
Why did you decide to join a coworking space?
Well, usually we all work online. We don’t have a real office. VGWB is a huge community of more than 250 people in 26 different countries. And sometimes meeting people in real life is warm and necessary.
I live in Madrid, and the city is now using collaboration and powerful startups ideas to transform its economic panorama. It is so inspiring to be part of this change. Everything is a new experience. We are building a huge range of new opportunities and networking. And also, ideas. It’s so bubbling.
What made you decide on Impact Hub?
We participated to the BBVA Momentum. And part of the reward was a 6 months membership at Impact Hub.
Do you use your coworking space to grow your network?
The first day I came to the Impact Hub, was so warm and inspiring. After the meeting withs Sebastian and the explanation about what it means to be here, I took a seat in the coworking area and suddenly hear a voice come from the door:
Mar! What are you doing here?
I met a friend who told me about his projet at the Hub. And after that, I met another one making a course.
Made me feel so comfortable!
What do you love the most about coworking?
A lot of things. It is a very alive space and this is very good. The common areas are usually occupied by very interesting events such as classes or meetups. The kitchen is always a space for chatting… and relaxing. I like so much the flexibility to get one room for a skype or a meeting.
What is important for you in a coworking space?
I love comfortables chairs… because sometimes vintage is not the best choice. And a place with a windows and natural light. Some of the spaces are so enclosed. I’m very new to coworking and I can see, it is very a good space to work, develop ideas and network. It also looks like it is spreading all around the globe.
And it’s also a nice place to meet people like us. With your interest and focus in technologie and business. With or without profit. But with the same spirit: building the XXI century.
