What does it mean to coexist in a diverse society? How can we foster a culture of respect, free from racism and discrimination? What responsibility does each of us have? And where are their limits? The Kreuzberg Initiative Against Antisemitism (KIgA e. V.) in Berlin has developed two games that encourage young people to engage with these questions: Rätselräume, an escape-room board game and The Ilios Experiment, a digital adventure game.
Like no other medium, games - whether offline or digital - offer a range of options for action and interaction. Players adopt new perspectives, learn to articulate their views, and experience how their decisions shape social coexistence. Through play, young people are encouraged to engage actively in building a democratic society.
Through playful engagement, young people are encouraged to actively work towards a tolerant and democratic society. The games promote democratic skills by strengthening identity, self-confidence and respect for others. It teaches students the importance of democratic institutions, allows them to playfully explore the rules of societal collaboration and at the same time makes it clear where the limits of tolerance lie - an important lesson from the rapid collapse of democracy in Germany in the 1930s.
Rätselräume: Tracing Untold Stories
At the heart of the escape-room board game Rätselräume are the life stories of former residents of an abandoned house. In small groups, players immerse themselves in these fictional yet realistic narratives from the 1990s and 2000s. By solving puzzles, they uncover the diverse lives and the sometimes complex dynamics of coexistence within the house. Piece by piece, a complete picture of the past emerges.
The aim of the stories told is to strengthen awareness of tolerance and the necessity of respectful coexistence. Throughout the game, players discuss themes such as migration, diversity, racism, and antisemitism.
The game was designed for use in schools and other educational settings. It is particularly suited for subjects such as history, ethics, religion, politics, and social studies. The accompanying materials also provide teachers with various pedagogical approaches and resources for deepening and reflecting on the lessons in class.
The Rätselräume game including free teaching resources is available for order online via this link.
The Ilios Experiment: What Does Tolerance Mean, and Where Are Its Limits?
The Ilios Experiment, a digital adventure game, is set in a near future, in which the mayor of the city of Ilios has launched an unconventional pilot project called the “Tolerance Score.” The aim is for residents to interact with one another in a respectful, fair, and equal manner. To achieve this, their behaviour is observed, assessed, and rewarded with points.
Players can explore the city, collect points, and engage with other residents about participation and social cohesion. However, it quickly becomes apparent that even in the seemingly most tolerant city in the world, challenges and conflicts arise, and tolerance must end where the foundations of a democratic state are threatened. In this way, the game makes an important contribution: it raises awareness of tolerance and sharpens the sense of where its limits lie.
This digital game features an immersive narrative and extensive options for action and decision-making. It is complemented by supporting materials for preparation and follow-up in the classroom. For example, in history lessons, the game can be used to explore the development of democracy and political participation throughout history. The Ilios Experiment is available for free download on Google Play or via the App Store.
KIgA e.V. offers training and workshops on Rätselräume and The Ilios Experiment. More information can be found here (in German).