In an unexpected twist, recent findings have uncovered that USAID has been behind the creation of several mobile games, starting from 2012. This revelation has come to light amidst a comprehensive audit of federal programs by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has brought USAID’s initiatives into the spotlight. Among the games that were part of this intriguing endeavor are Family Choices, 9-Minutes, and Worm Attack! Here’s a closer look at these innovative creations based on their archived descriptions from USAID files:
Family Choices is a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ type game designed to elevate the perception of a girl’s role and importance within her family. The game focuses on critical themes like education, early marriage, and family planning. Players are given the power to chart the course of two girls, Anu from India and Mercy from Kenya, as they strive to achieve their aspirations of becoming financially independent nurses.
9-Minutes takes players on a unique journey through pregnancy, compressing nine months into just nine minutes of gameplay. This interactive game educates players on essential dos and don’ts during pregnancy through a series of timed decisions, impacting the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
For a more action-packed experience, there’s Worm Attack! This game promotes the health of young boys and girls by challenging them to defeat intestinal worm infestations. It combines educational elements with fun, as players work strategically to use deworming pills to rid their characters and communities of these pesky parasites.
Despite the end of support for these games with the closure of the USAID website, their conception through a public-private partnership with the Half the Sky Movement was part of an initiative to spread the word about women’s health issues worldwide.
The DOGE audit, which led to these revelations, has also unearthed some surprising beneficiaries of USAID funding. Among these are media outlets like Politico and the BBC, which received financial backing to further their reporting. This adds a layer of intrigue, particularly considering the coverage some of these outlets provided on topics like Gamergate, the gaming consumer movement that caused quite a stir a decade ago.
As interest in USAID’s archival projects grows, we might yet discover more unexpected ventures in the realm of digital media and beyond. The story of USAID’s mobile games highlights a unique approach to leveraging technology for social change, leaving us to wonder what other hidden treasures could be waiting in their archives.
