The first game developed via the ‘Housing and Ageing’ programme (funded by Scottish Universities Institute) was ‘Hopetown: a Game for Housing and Ageing’.

In this game, players take on a role outside their normal scope such as policy maker, service provider, community group or developer. Each role has a specific aim for the game to fulfil, but groups must work together if they wish to increase the wellbeing of those in ‘Hopetown’.

There are real-life changes made over time within the game, which can be played into 2030, or 2040, to see the consequences of decisions that have been made. In this way the game allows people to stand back from the ‘immediate chaos’ and think strategically into the future.