As part of a bid to educate its youth about the dangers of drugs, the Iranian government will turn toward a wide range of cultural solutions, including development of an anti-drug videogame.
Iran’s Fars News Agency reports on the initiative, which will see The Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Iran's Drug Control Headquarters and the National Foundation for Computer Games collaborating on a solution.
Ahmad Esfandiari, head of Iran’s State Welfare Organization, stated, “When you intend to take something (drugs) away from children and young adults, you need to provide a substitute for them and nowadays video games are the best replacement.”
Esfandiari said that the idea for the anti-drug game was floated five months ago and was welcomed by his organization. He added, “The theme of preventing drug addiction has been implemented in this game through focusing on real life expertise.”
Fars added that Iran “leads international efforts in fighting drug networks and narcotic traffickers,” and that, thanks to its shared border with Afghanistan no doubt, the country “makes 85 percent of the world's total opium seizures.”
Comments
Re: Iranian Government Backs Anti-Drug Game
Don't forget the "fun." It seems like everytime someone makes an educational game, or a game with a message, it's not an engaging experience. You're not going to get your point across if kids don't want to play it.
I love the "leads international efforts" line, though. Does Iran do anything "internationally?" Even half the Middle East seems to hate them.