Urban Gentri
Serious Game on Learning about Gentrification
Imagine walking through a vibrant neighborhood filled with local businesses, unique cafes, and colorful street art. Now picture it years later, transformed by chain stores and luxury apartments. What happened? Gentrification. It’s a global issue reshaping cities and lives, often displacing long-time residents in favor of wealthier newcomers. But how do we grasp such a complex and emotional topic?
Enter Urban Gentri, a groundbreaking board game designed to make people feel gentrification. Forget dry textbooks or dull lectures—this game throws players into the middle of the action. You’re no longer an observer; you’re a decision-maker. Whether you're a tenant struggling with skyrocketing rents, a developer eyeing profits, or a policymaker trying to keep the peace, this game lets you experience the ripple effects of every choice.
Here’s the kicker: It works. This study involving 45 participants found something amazing. After playing Urban Gentri, people’s understanding of gentrification skyrocketed. They didn’t just learn facts—they felt the struggles and complexities. Players came away with empathy for those affected, a desire to support local businesses, and even plans to take action in their own communities. Some said the role-playing made them see things they’d never considered before, like the importance of balancing growth with community preservation.
The game is built on two powerful frameworks—ADDIE and MDA—that blend education with engaging gameplay. It’s not just a random set of rules; every detail is carefully designed to immerse players and spark real learning. And while this study focused on Korea, the lessons are universal. From Brooklyn to Seoul, the challenges of gentrification are similar, and the insights gained from this game could spark global conversations.
Why does this matter? Because gentrification is more than just a buzzword. It’s about people, communities, and the choices we make. And if a game can turn a dry topic into a compelling, emotional experience, imagine what else we can learn through play. Urban Gentri isn’t just a game—it’s a tool for understanding, empathy, and maybe even change.
If you’re interested to read more about this, check out Minju Kim, Jihyun Ahn, and Yunmi Park’s article in the Journal of Planning Education and Research (JPER)! This article explores how “planners and educators can create engaging platforms to inform the public and promote informed decision-making on complex urban issues.”
Citation:
Kim, M., Ahn, J., & Park, Y. (2024). Urban Gentri: Serious Game on Learning about Gentrification. Journal of Planning Education and Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X241280179