Kingston Studio Wins Global Award for Game on Democracy

URGENT UPDATE: A Kingston-area video game studio, Polyvale Studios, has just won the prestigious global competition, “Citizens, Assemble!,” for its innovative game on participatory democracy titled Diem. This groundbreaking achievement tops over 50 studios worldwide and includes a cash prize of US$10,000 alongside an award for Best Aesthetics.

The announcement, made earlier today, highlights the game’s unique approach as a “cozy democracy simulator.” Writer and developer Aric McBay expressed excitement, stating, “Our hope is that Diem will get people thinking about how we can come together to create shared visions for real change.”

This competition, organized by One World or None and the Global Game Jam, aims to raise awareness about citizens’ assemblies—decision-making bodies where randomly selected residents collaborate to shape public policy. Notably, such assemblies have led to significant reforms, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in countries like Ireland.

Judges of the contest, including renowned musician and activist Brian Eno, commended Diem for its “thoughtful design, storytelling, and music,” which collectively create “a warm, reflective game about collaboration and hope.” The game primarily focuses on climate action as its central theme, resonating with current global challenges.

Voice actor Leslie McBay emphasized the importance of citizen participation in democratic processes, stating, “Citizens’ assemblies are an incredible way for citizens of all kinds to directly participate in democratic decision making, which feels critical now with long-standing democracies at risk.” She noted that games like Diem provide vital opportunities for public engagement and education.

Composer and sound designer Winnie Liu highlighted the team’s mission, saying, “Turning a complicated system into simple, engaging gameplay is a smart way to explore possibilities.” This innovative approach aims to make complex democratic concepts accessible and engaging for players.

Polyvale Studios is part of a peer accelerator run by the Baby Ghosts Studio Development Fund, a non-profit organization supporting worker-owned and worker-centric studios. Co-founder Dr. Eileen Mary Holowka praised Polyvale’s commitment to social impact, stating, “Polyvale has done a wonderful job of making their values tangible as a studio.” The success of Diem marks a significant milestone in the push for more socially impactful work within the game industry.

Players can experience Diem for themselves, as it is available to play for free in-browser at polyvale.org. This groundbreaking game not only entertains but also encourages critical conversations about democratic participation and community action.

As the global community continues to grapple with pressing issues, Diem stands out as a beacon of hope and a call to action. Stay tuned for further updates on how this innovative game is shaping conversations around democracy and citizen engagement.