Social Detective Games

In collaboration with Detectivity, we developed the social detective game methodology, which is an experience-based approach to social education and awareness-raising. In these awareness-raising detective games, young people come into contact with members of vulnerable groups whilst solving a mystery, and can only reach a solution by cooperating with them and with each other. Experiencing exclusion and the dangers of authoritarian behaviour first-hand, whilst discovering the value of democratic cooperation and responsibility, as well as the worth of members of vulnerable groups, gives them a fundamental, awareness-raising experience.

As part of this project, four new detective games were developed in the partner countries (Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic and Hungary) through youth training and collaborative planning, enabling players to gain an insight into the challenges faced by Roma people, the visually impaired, Muslims and refugees. The programme resulted in the creation of descriptions for the four new games and a methodology for social detective games, which also provided a wealth of practical advice on the stages of design, implementation, evaluation and follow-up.

30 young people – including many representatives of vulnerable groups – took part in game design and facilitation training, and played an active role in running the games. Nearly 300 young people across Europe took part in the games. We distributed the methodology to 800 experts.

In the creation of the methodology and its international dissemination our international partners: Institouto Erevnon PROMITHEAS from Cyprus, Infinite Opportunities Association from Bulgaria and Otevřená společnost, o.p.s. from Czech Republic participated, too.

Methodology of Social Detective Games

The material starts with the presentation of innovative educational methods. It shows the main aspects of the work with vulnerable groups and the ones of the related social issues. Beside the methodology of general detective games, it also focuses on the specialities of social detective games. Pays attention on the processes of planning, realization, evaluation and follow-up and practical advices on these fields. We offer it to experts and organizations, who are active on the fields of youth work and non-formal education, who would like to learn a new method of gamification. In case of further question don’t hesitate to contact the experts of Autonomia Foundation and the Detectivity.

The methodology can be read in five languages: EN, HU, BG, CZ, GR

Hungarian game

The “Bars” detective game gives an insight in the challenges of young disadvantaged Roma people living in small villages through the investigation of a crime case. The game can be ordered from the Detectivity for groups: info@detectivity.hu

The description of the Hungarian game can be read in two languages: EN, HU

Bulgarian Game

In the game ‘Has anyone seen Iskren?’ meanwhile the players try to find a missing man get in contact with visually impaired and Muslim people, and can also try numerous sports of bling people.

The description of the Bulgarian game can be read in two languages: EN, BG

Czech game

‘The Romeo & Juliet of Holesovice’ invites the players for finding two lovers, who have been disappeared in an imaginal society, where the ones of big nose and the ones of big ears are in conflict with each other. The participants walk through Prague in order to figure out what has happened with the couple.

The description of the Czech game can be read in two languages: EN, CZ

Cypriot game

‘Another life’ focuses on the topics of migrants and refugees related to the investigation of the murder of a politician. The interactive game includes numerous theatrical elements.

The description of the Cypriot game can be read in two languages: EN, GR

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