Game Description
ReAction is a VR-game to prevent knife violence amongst teenagers. It is a tool to help counter the growing possession and use of knives amongst youngsters. The game is used by youth workers and teachers in a classroom setting, in small groups or individually. In the classroom one teenager wears the headset, while onlookers can play along as the game choices appear by watching the casted game on a big screen. The player is presented choices on a virtual phone, or through interaction with other characters. The game offers 8 different endings and a playtime between 10 to 15 minutes.

The core target groups are elementary school and high school, but it is also used at MBO’s.

There was a lot of attention in national media for the game, such as a two pager in the newspaper “Telegraaf” and a 5-minute item in “Jeugdjournaal” (https://youtu.be/g1-CsxknHEQ).

ReAction uses immersive VR to put the player in the center of the story and make the choices feel more relevant. In ReAction we were challenged in creating a believable experience with knives that could be perceived as real, without glorifying the use of violence. We also wanted to go beyond the symptoms, and deal with the underlying factors that contribute to a violent confrontation such as social media and peer pressure.

Our goal within the game is to show how different choices contribute to escalation and de-escalation. Together those choices lead to different endings. After playing the game the player and class discuss the decisions and reflect on how they compare with their real-life situation.

Playtesting with classes has shown that the game initiates discussion, and makes youth feel more comfortable to approach a teacher or youth worker to discuss their personal experiences or issues.

The goal of the game is prevention, it is not specifically targeted at youths already involve d in criminal activities.

ReAction was created in co-creation with youth from Den Helder, Zaanstad and Rotterdam. They helped shape the storyline, the characters, the choices, and the dialogue. By getting feedback on the initial prototype, we were able to create believable interventions and endings.

All the characters were voiced by youth in their own street language. Most of the animations were created with youth using motion capture with VR-rigs. Both contributed to game characters that players could relate to.

Professional DJ’s that work at FunX, did the voice-acting for the player’s inner voice.

ReAction was initiated by youth workers Bas Ouwens and Nikkie Siersma from Jeugdwerk Den Helder, part of MEE & de Wering. Together with Games-4-Health Europe, Adsysco and ImproVive they initiated the game. ReAction was supported by the Ministry of Justice and Safety and 20 other municipalities and youth organizations. Lectors from Avans and Fontys helped write a user guide. The game is being rolled out across the Netherlands, and there are still new organizations joining.