Retro Computer SIM

Summary

Retro Computer SIM is a game created for DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) managers. Its goal is to serve as a conversation starter, encouraging DUO managers in Groningen to explore SSI and apply it in their work.
Players take on the role of a manager at DUO, responsible for handling citizens’ requests about private documents. Their job is to review the requirements for validating applications and check if the documents are legitimate or misused on unsafe third-party websites. After reviewing all the evidence, players can choose to approve or reject the application, impacting the company’s reputation.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The game is designed for players around 50 years old, which supports our decision for a classic-style graphic to match their familiarity with gaming. We also introduced Loopert, a digital companion ready to help whenever things get confusing.

Loopert

TEAM [5 MEMBERS]

Programmers: me, Daniel, Konstantin

2D Designer: Dustin

Animator & Character Designer: Luca

GAME PREVIEW

The game begins with an intro where Loopert explains the core of the game.

Players receive a random task each time they play which includes:

  • Task title
  • Client’s name
  • Required proofs
  • Issuers

Each issuer will provide client information that must match the original details:

  • Client’s name
  • Adress
  • Date of birth
  • Issuer ID
  • Publisher’s name
  • Signatures
  • Issuer logo

After verifying the information, the player will choose to validate or invalidate each issuer and then approve or deny the client’s application. Their decisions will affect the company’s reputation, either boosting or lowering it, thus increasing or decreasing the clients’ number.

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION

I started the project by researching the field. My focus was on exploring the potential of using SSI in games. This involved understanding how SSI works, its pros and cons, and providing clear examples of its everyday applications.

SSI PROS & CONS, EXAMPLES & APPLICABILITY

The next step into having a clear understanding of the problem context was to conduct research into existing Dutch banks websites.

After identifying the necessary information, we moved into the concept phase using the Lotus Blossom method, generating 64 game ideas.

Once the final concept was chosen, we moved into the prototyping phase. Since the game didn’t need any 3D art, I focused on programming and created a dialogue system with a letter-by-letter flow and a skip option.

WHAT IS SSI?

Self-sovereign identity (SSI) is a digital identity system that puts individuals in control of their personal information. It allows users to prove their identity to websites, services, and applications without relying on major identity providers like Facebook (Facebook Connect) or Google (Google Sign-In). Typically, these providers control the data linked to a user’s identity. Without SSI, users who avoid these platforms must create separate accounts for each service, leading to fragmented online experiences. SSI simplifies this process, enabling secure access to services while letting users retain control over their identity information.

WHAT IS DUO?

DUO is a governmental organisation that provide student finance for mostly Dutch and EU/EFA/Swiss students of higher education during their studies.