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Meaningful Play 2014 at Michigan State University

Game Information

TitleMicrobes
Presenter(s)Tiltfactor
SessionConference Reception, Game Exhibition, and Poster Session
TimeThursday, October 16, 7:00p-10:00p
LocationBallroom
FormatGame Exhibition
DescriptionCollect the most gems without getting your hands dirty in this frenetic card game of balancing and dexterity!

Microbes challenges 4 to 8 players, ages 9 to adult, to claim as many jewels as they can by slapping the cards. If you're the fastest you'll get the jewels ' but watch out! You'll also get the germs. You must balance collected germ tokens on the back of your hand, because if enough of those germs fall off, then all of your gems will be worthless! Can your hand hold any more germs? If not, better find a handwash card quick!


IMPACT:
Designed at the request of the Minister of Health of Rwanda, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, Microbes was developed to emphasize the importance of hand washing to children in rural Rwanda. However, lack of washing hands is not a uniquely Rwandan problem ' Microbes was created to be played by children and adults both at home and abroad. Players have enjoyed the game in locations and settings as diverse as Rwanda, Haiti, classrooms in New Hampshire, and gaming conventions.

CREDITS:
Design Studio: Tiltfactor
Executive Producer: Mary Flanagan
Designers: Zara Downs, Max Seidman, and Mary Flanagan
Art: Zara Downs, and Alannah Linkhorn
International Project Coordinator: Madeleine Parker
Special Thanks To: Our on the ground collaborators in Haiti and Rwanda

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