City Quest: A Game for Sustainable Development
The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 is set to spotlight India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event, scheduled for May 1-4, 2025, in Mumbai, invites individuals with a deep understanding of their city’s sustainability efforts to participate. One of the key attractions of this summit is “City Quest: Shades of Bharat,” an innovative educational game designed to engage and educate the youth about urban development through the lens of sustainability. This article explores the significance of the game, its mechanics, and its role in promoting awareness of SDGs among Indian citizens.
Understanding City Quest: Shades of Bharat
“City Quest: Shades of Bharat” is a unique educational game that gamifies the metrics of urban development. It is part of the “Create in India Challenge” under WAVES 2025. The game aims to inspire young minds by allowing them to explore the strengths and challenges of 56 cities across India. Players engage in a single-player format, competing against a computer opponent using a deck of city cards. Each card features six parameters, enabling players to compare cities based on various statistics, including the Hunger Index, Good Health and Well-being, and Gender Equality.
The game tracks 15 SDGs and utilizes the top six SDGs across the 56 cities, as outlined in NITI Aayog’s Urban Index (2021). Through interactive gameplay, players learn about the developmental challenges and achievements of these cities. The game emphasizes the impact of sustainable practices, helping players understand how individual and collective actions can significantly influence India’s sustainability performance on a global scale.
Engaging the Youth through Gamification
City Quest is designed to be inclusive, encouraging participation from individuals of all ages. It offers a nostalgic card game experience with a modern twist, allowing players to learn more about India’s vibrant cities. The game features both national and city-specific leaderboards, fostering healthy competition among players and promoting local pride. Participants can sign up for their home city, creating a sense of community and engagement.
The game was recently showcased at IIT Bombay’s E-Summit 2025, where it generated significant interest among students. The event attracted over 30,000 attendees and featured discussions on gaming, startups, and emerging technologies. The E-Gaming Federation (EGF), which is driving City Quest in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, led key discussions on the role of gaming in modern entrepreneurship. This platform not only highlights the importance of sustainable development but also encourages the youth to actively participate in their city’s growth.
The Role of City Quest in Promoting SDGs
City Quest serves as a bridge between policy and public participation. By gamifying the concept of sustainable development, it effectively engages the youth and motivates them to learn about the SDGs. The game emphasizes the importance of active participation by Indian citizens in boosting the country’s performance in global SDG rankings. Through interactive storytelling, players gain insights into how their daily actions can contribute to a sustainable future.
Competitions held during the E-Summit allowed students to act as brand ambassadors for their hometowns, competing with each other using City Quest trump cards. Winners received special edition City Quest decks, further incentivizing participation and engagement. This innovative approach not only educates players about urban development but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards their communities.
Looking Ahead: WAVES 2025 and Beyond
The upcoming WAVES 2025 aims to position India as a global leader in the creative industries. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the event’s dates and venue, emphasizing the nation’s ambition to become a creative powerhouse. The summit will bring together top media CEOs, entertainment icons, and creative minds from around the world, unifying entertainment, creativity, and culture.
As part of this initiative, City Quest will continue to play a vital role in promoting awareness of sustainable development among the youth. The game is currently available for free on Android devices via Google Play, making it accessible to players nationwide. By engaging with important social issues, City Quest contributes to a collective understanding of urban growth and sustainability, paving the way for a brighter future for India.
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