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Filipino engineering and computer science professors
have developed a computer game called Asean Quest that allows Asians
to familiarize themselves with countries in the region.
Patterned after the popular
computer game Tomb Raider, the game, developed by professors from De
La Salle University, features a storyline that will familiarize
players about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), a
grouping of 10 countries that includes the Philippines.
The game was commissioned by the
Asean Foundation, whose unveiling Wednesday formed part of a series
of announcements about activities marking the golden anniversary of
the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology, which began
as the National Science and Development Board in 1958.
Asean Foundation Executive
Director Filemon Uriarte Jr. said, “The youth of Asean are bored
by PowerPoint presentations, but are much interested in computer
games.” He was formerly the Science and Technology secretary
during the term of ex-President Joseph Estrada.
The game will be formally
launched July 8, when the four-day Asean Youth Summit is to begin in
Pasay City, Uriarte said. The Department of Science and Technology
will host that event.
On Friday, students from De La
Salle are scheduled to participate in a mock contest to test the
system before the formal launching, Uriarte said.
The computer game will sell for
P300 a copy, he added.
The game starts with a
catastrophe—a super typhoon from the Philippines has just ravaged
all the 10 member-countries of Asean.
With power knocked out throughout
the region, Asean leaders ask the computer players to set up an
energy grid that spans the region. A player can go to any of the 10
countries and build a power plant, but not before the player first
completes a sub-quest or mini-game.
Some mini-games include
rebuilding a ruined temple, finding a missing nuclear plant, and
eradicating pests in a sugarcane field.
In the game, players could ask
help from an Asean diplomat, economist or social scientist. The
experts help players realize the Asean Vision 2020 by offering
information on various association projects, programs and
activities. To achieve Asean Vision 2020, projects involving
security, the economy, and socio-cultural development have to be
completed.
To navigate through the game’s
different challenges, the player will have to be familiarized with
the languages of Southeast Asian nations.
Uriarte said the game can be
accomplished in four hours. But for those without computer game
experience, it may take up to 20 hours.
Program Officer Ajie Akhmad
Wahidin said the foundation spent $90,000 to develop the game, which
was completed in about 11 months.
--Ike Suarez With XINHUA
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