Uruguay uses Shock tactics to inspire youth vote

 

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By Alun Williams

Posted on 25 Oct 2004 at 13:38

Uruguay is turning to computer games to encourage the younger vote in elections.

Games have already been used around the world for a variety of purposes, ranging from improving literacy among children to recruiting adolescents for the army. Now it is being used to boost voter turnout...

With a general election approaching at the end of the month, one of the political parties is hoping that the game Cambiemos ('Let's Change') will spur greater involvment from younger voters, reports the BBC.

'The game itself is a jigsaw puzzle about building a new country, by putting together images of hope', it quotes the game's chief designer Gonzalo Frasca. Its makers are hoping that it will provide an alternative way to make contact with younger people, who may be turning a deaf ear to the traditional political exchanges.

Taking its theme from the campaign of the country's left-wing collation party, the Shockwave game can be found at the Frente Amplio website.

What do you think of computer games being used to encourage younger voters? Any suggestions for games to enliven our own local elections? Leave a comment via the link below.