Ad agency Mother New York and developers at Casserole Labs collaborated to help rebuild after Hurricane Sandy with 'Repair the Rockaways.' The online game works to let users have fun while encouraging them to donate. Repair the Rockaways is built like the popular Farmville game so that donors can rebuild the devastated area virtually while helping physically.
Just like popular free online games, Repair the Rockaways lets users pay for digital currency with real cash. The in-game money can then be used to purchase digital building material. Materials that users buy can then be used to repair and build houses around the virtual town. Though the online world doesn't reflect the real one, Repair the Rockaways adds a degree of realism by releasing videos of real repairs being done as you donate more.
Gamified Donation Platforms
The 'Repair the Rockaways' Site Uses a Game to Encourage Donations
Trend Themes
1. Gamified Donation Platforms - Creating online donation platforms that incorporate gamification elements can incentivize users to donate and actively engage in charitable causes.
2. Virtual Reconstruction Games - Developing virtual reconstruction games like Repair the Rockaways can provide an interactive and engaging way for users to contribute to rebuilding efforts in disaster-stricken areas.
3. Monetizing Digital Currency - Exploring the monetization of digital currency in online games, like Repair the Rockaways, can create alternative revenue streams for charitable organizations while offering users tangible benefits.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising and Marketing - The advertising and marketing industry can leverage gamified donation platforms to create impactful campaigns that drive donations and engage audiences in a unique way.
2. Technology and Software Development - The technology and software development industry can play a crucial role in innovating and building interactive virtual reconstruction games that facilitate fundraising and community engagement.
3. Nonprofit and Philanthropy - Nonprofit and philanthropy organizations can embrace gamification and digital currency monetization to enhance fundraising efforts, expand their reach, and increase donor participation.