Rationale and Objectives for "A Clash of Cultures"
Developing a Different Gaming Culture
We can be part of changing the world. Violence can be reduced if people have a safe place to practice learning how to resolve conflict without the use of violence.
Website and art work by W. David Hoisington, Ph. D.
There is a 150 page document (not including the hundreds of concept art diagrams) that took over 3 years to complete. It contains historically accurate information (research in archeology, geology) as well as a details on how the virtual simulation will work to present conflicts, and the options to resolve them. There are 15 cultures, each with their own "home region", their own cultural traits and their own technology contributions and all based on historical information. Also there are hundreds of concept art examples drawn for plants, objects and beings that will be found in CoC. The concept art is a seperate document, with examples online.
In addition the project is backed by decades of research on the development of compassion.
It is possible to use interactive virtual reality technology for presenting a different gaming culture, one based on cooperative play as opposed to individualistic play. It is such a culture that will be promoted within "A Clash of Cultures".
The CoC project combines the following: 1) A beautiful world, 2) historical accuracy, 3) mythology and 4) the oportunity to practice conflict resolution without violence. This combination of features is presented using an interactive simulation which allows the participant to not only "learn", but also have fun along the way. This combination of features will give the participant the opportunity to actually explore how civilization develops, ultimately leading to conflicts that must be resolved. As it was in the past, civilization developed in the face of conflict over resources, technologies and ideologies. We are facing the same issues today. Practicing how to deal with them in a virtual world can help us to face them in the real world. We can decrease the violence in society by providing a training ground to practice alternative behaviors.
Through use of "A Clash of Cultures" the participant will develop improved conflict resolution skills while also descreasing the use of violence, both in the virtual world and in the real world.
Due to the unique design of CoC, there will be an increase in participation by both females and the elderly. This appeal to a much broader audience should result in a participant mix that is more representative of a global society. This will help foster cultural sensitivity and global awareness regarding the need for cooperation.
"A Clash of Cultures" will be a beautiful place to visit as well as a place where beauty can be created. People will feel good after their visit to this virtual reality.
This is a very large and complex project. If you would like to volunteer, or if you would like to fund its development, then click on the email button and contact us.
A Clash of Cultures is a development project in connection with the "Compassion Information Institute" - an organization whose main purpose is to disseminate information about compassion.
This project is in need of financial support
