Phantom Compass, an independent Canadian game company, is in production on an original learning game called “Dionysian Dream: The Greek Drama Game.” The development process is open to the public at www.DionysianDream.comClassics come to life
Dionysian Dream explores classical Greek drama through a contemporary lens. Activated by a storyline set at the intersection of a real tragedy and an imagined dream world, teen and adult learners interact with some of the most important playwrights and fictional characters of ancient Greece.
As the details of the drama emerge through game play, so too does the troubled past of the game’s mysterious protagonist. Through critical thinking, exploration and strategy, the player must unravel the main character’s identity and find a way to bring closure to the protagonist’s unresolved addiction and family issues.
Suitable for classroom and at-home use by teens and adults, Dionysian Dream is the game equivalent of a short film, designed to be completed in less than three hours.
“Traditional teaching tools are losing their effectiveness as media-savvy generations flood the school systems,” said academic advisor and York University professor Dr. Nanci White. “Dionysian Dream will offer an interactive, multimedia, interdisciplinary approach to learning. The game promises to be an engaging, story-driven experience for teen and adult learners.”
Timeless social issues
“Dionysian Dream looks at historic Greek drama through a contemporary lens,” said Phantom Compass founding director Tony Walsh. “We use the Euripides play ‘The Bacchae’ as a springboard to explore timeless social issues such as alcohol abuse, familial estrangement and sexual identity. We’re going places most games-and gamers-fear to tread.”
Phantom Compass assembled a specialized team of experts to oversee academic and interactive elements, including York University professor Dr. Nanci White, award-winning veteran of the motion picture and interactive industries James Allan and game designer Steve Tassie, who has performed Greek tragedy as a classically-trained actor.
Did you know?
Dionysus or Dionysos is the Greek god of wine, pleasure and one of the 12 Olympians. He was also known as Bacchus and is the patron deity of agriculture and theater.