Spring Break
'Debt Ski' game entertaining way to learn about savings
Erin Jankoski
Issue date: 5/15/09 Section: Diversions
With high interest on loans and the poor economy, more college students are facing financial debt upon graduation. With no classes on debt financing and few available resources, it is difficult to get educated on debt management. According to American Student Assistance, the average debt per borrower is over $20,000.
This issue has been recognized by mtvU across college campuses, and mtvU has collaborated with the Peterson Foundation to release a flash online game called "Debt Ski." The Peterson Foundation is dedicated to creating public buzz about current critical issues facing American's future. The game focuses on promoting financial responsibility and the importance of making good decisions when it comes to spending and saving.
The game idea came from a contest called the Indebted Digital Challenge where the winner, Brian Haveri's video game concept was the inspiration for "Debt Ski." The Indebted Digital Challenge is a nationwide contest where applicants create online games highlighting the importance of maintaining a manageable budget.
"Debt Ski" focuses on the user controlling the Piggy Bank character on a jet ski through the harsh waters of the financial world. The mission for the consumer is to understand the proper way of managing finances through dodging unnecessary expenses while spending only on basic needs. Avoiding overspending and praising savings, "Debt Ski" calculates the user's profits and overall decision-making each level.
Although saving and managing budgets is boring, "Debt Ski" allows users to have fun while understanding the wonders of saving. The game is fairly easy to navigate and user friendly, however it takes a level of concentration to move on to the next level as expenses quickly add up.
At the start of the game, the user is given a credit card with a $7,500 limit, forcing them to act responsibly in order to balance the allotted credit limit. To make it to the end of the game, one must have an overall savings higher than the amount of their debt combined with the highest percent of happiness. To personalize the game, the user then can choose a virtual lifestyle ranging from thrifty to big spender - whichever best fits their realistic situation.
Throughout the game there are coins placed on different levels that represent the expenses of housing, fuel, food and health care. Each coin is worth $1,000 and allows the user to gather as many as their lifestyle demands. There are other items that are optional to take that boost your overall happiness, but only if it can be afforded. The consequence of overspending is facing a tsunami that interferes with the journey to a balanced account.
The soundtrack on the game includes the All American Rejects single "The Wind Blows," and is among a playlist of upbeat songs picked by college bands from around the country. The songs were chosen by mtvU's Best Music on Campus.
This game is a creative approach to tackling the financial crisis in America, especially for college students. Don't forget to pay attention to the plane that flies across the top of the screen and trails financial facts!
Erin Jankoski
diversions@dailybarometer.com
This issue has been recognized by mtvU across college campuses, and mtvU has collaborated with the Peterson Foundation to release a flash online game called "Debt Ski." The Peterson Foundation is dedicated to creating public buzz about current critical issues facing American's future. The game focuses on promoting financial responsibility and the importance of making good decisions when it comes to spending and saving.
The game idea came from a contest called the Indebted Digital Challenge where the winner, Brian Haveri's video game concept was the inspiration for "Debt Ski." The Indebted Digital Challenge is a nationwide contest where applicants create online games highlighting the importance of maintaining a manageable budget.
"Debt Ski" focuses on the user controlling the Piggy Bank character on a jet ski through the harsh waters of the financial world. The mission for the consumer is to understand the proper way of managing finances through dodging unnecessary expenses while spending only on basic needs. Avoiding overspending and praising savings, "Debt Ski" calculates the user's profits and overall decision-making each level.
Although saving and managing budgets is boring, "Debt Ski" allows users to have fun while understanding the wonders of saving. The game is fairly easy to navigate and user friendly, however it takes a level of concentration to move on to the next level as expenses quickly add up.
At the start of the game, the user is given a credit card with a $7,500 limit, forcing them to act responsibly in order to balance the allotted credit limit. To make it to the end of the game, one must have an overall savings higher than the amount of their debt combined with the highest percent of happiness. To personalize the game, the user then can choose a virtual lifestyle ranging from thrifty to big spender - whichever best fits their realistic situation.
Throughout the game there are coins placed on different levels that represent the expenses of housing, fuel, food and health care. Each coin is worth $1,000 and allows the user to gather as many as their lifestyle demands. There are other items that are optional to take that boost your overall happiness, but only if it can be afforded. The consequence of overspending is facing a tsunami that interferes with the journey to a balanced account.
The soundtrack on the game includes the All American Rejects single "The Wind Blows," and is among a playlist of upbeat songs picked by college bands from around the country. The songs were chosen by mtvU's Best Music on Campus.
This game is a creative approach to tackling the financial crisis in America, especially for college students. Don't forget to pay attention to the plane that flies across the top of the screen and trails financial facts!
Erin Jankoski
diversions@dailybarometer.com
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