Inspiration & theme:
“Children are already abusing drugs at age 12 or 13 (…), including tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, prescription drugs such as sleeping pills & anti-anxiety medicines” (National Institute on Drug Abuse -NIDA-, 2020), and youngsters underestimate the dangers (United Nations’ World Drug Report, 2021). Drug abuse in young people is a nightmare that affects families and communities worldwide. So, what can be done? NIDA (2020) states that “increased understanding of the basics of addiction will empower people to make informed choices in their own lives”. But if science took +100 years to unravel how drugs change the brain and produce addiction, can regular children and adults learn such complex topics to foresee the hidden dangers of trying drugs? Can this be done in a fun and simple way, so that even children/young people can (and want!) to learn them?
‘You VS Drugs’ is the world’s first brain-based adventure saga that takes place inside our brain. Through story arcs that happen to brain Agents, cinematic cutscenes and surprising storylines, ‘You VS Drugs’ entertains young people while educating them about the brain bases of addiction, and how different drugs affect different parts of your brain and mind. A scientific study published in 2023 shows young adults understand basics of neurobiological function related to the effect of psychoactive substances and addiction with the game. Data suggest it has the same effect in minors. You can see the abstract (and download the scientific article if you want to) at the External Links section (Stats URL), or before starting the game.
Design & gameplay:
The game has a chibi cartoon-style 3D graphic design of characters & settings which give players a sense of action and fun at first glance. Friends & foes, level challenges, sounds, structures & objects are designed for players —that could play with a partner in the future— to explore, have fun, get surprised, fight, and make decisions that test the mission’s knowledge players acquire while watching how their brain works, and how drugs mess up with people’s lives. All relevant situations are inspired in real events of the working brain.
Game mechanics:
• Incorrect responses to ‘path questions’ can lead to situations that diminish energy levels.
• Correct responses to ‘path questions’ earn points. Enough points will allow the discovery of a special feature in the camp’s hospital.
• Your choices sometimes affect other AI teammates’ energy levels.
• To complete the first half of a level you need to take care of your fellow(s).
• Once a level is completed, the subsequent level is unlocked.
• Before a new level starts, weapon improvements or new skills can be learned at the camp’s gym.