The game is called INFRA—the action is set in a city where corruption in the private and public sectors has left the city on the brink of collapse.
John Metcalfe introduces the idea behind the "INFRA" video game:
"OK, so the premise isn’t as action-packed as swinging across a floating, racist city in 'Bioshock Infinite' or no-scoping ultranationalist terrorists in 'Modern Warfare 3.' But INFRA has the power of realism on its side. Given the crappy state of a lot of the world’s infrastructure, who can’t relate to the fear of being crushed by an old bridge or barbecued by an exploding gas line?"
According to Metcalfe's coverage, Loiste Interactive’s Oskari Samiola was inspired to make the game after watching the The Crumbling of America documentary. The article describes more about how the game combines the "unsexy" conversation about infrastructure with the exciting requirements of game play.
The trailer for the game also shows how the game positions the concerns of infrastructure at the center of an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
FULL STORY: Who Knew a Video Game About Infrastructure Could Look So Cool?
City-Building Video Games for Planners
Hopefully you got one of these games as a gift today. If not, don’t worry. There are a lot of other occasions to celebrate—maybe try the day after Christmas?
A NIMBY Simulator Pokes Fun at All-Too-Real Issues
A classic game gets a sardonic update for the modern world.
Friday Fun: CityLab Picks the Best Games of 2020
In the year of stay-at-home orders, people turned to old and new games to stay sane and stay connected.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie