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In collaboration with DDB Group Germany and the non-profit organisation Skateistan, we launched the charity project #PlayForSkateistan, bringing together creators and players of skateboarding games. Inspired by the real-life stories of children from underprivileged backgrounds, we created three characters that gamers can skate with while simultaneously donating to support children affected by global conflicts who lack the childhood they deserve. The project aims to raise funds for these children and foster a sense of belonging between vulnerable children across the world and those outside these conflict zones.
BY FUTURA FTW
Since 2007, the non-profit organisation Skateistan, based in Germany, has been providing safe spaces, positive role models, and a sense of community for children living in high-conflict areas such as Afghanistan, South Africa, and Cambodia. The challenging conditions in these critical zones have made it difficult for them to operate, forcing them to find new ways of garnering support and donations to continue providing programmes and safe environments for children.
Skilled professionals from Futura FTW and DDB Germany teamed up with the online gaming community known as the “modding” community, which creates and integrates modifications – or “mods” – into games. As part of the collaboration, three playable characters were developed, based on real students of Skateistan and their inspiring stories: Sara from Afghanistan, Natalia from South Africa, and Arun from Cambodia.
Gamers from all over the world, including Slovenia, can now skate as Sara, Natalia, or Arun on playforskateistan.com. They can also choose custom skateboards adorned with motivational messages. In addition to downloading the “mods” for the game, anyone can donate to support Skateistan’s mission.
Ana Ribar, a strategist for the #PlayForSkateistan project in Slovenia from the agency Futura FTW, the only agency in the Adriatic region with a comprehensive approach to gaming and the metaverse, said: “From the start, the project has been unique in every aspect. The hardest part of modifying the game elements was establishing a connection with the community, but once we got it right, something magical happened – an organic community of incredibly talented people from all over the world began to form! Exceptional creators came together, ready to devote their free time to help us build such an incredible story. Their sole motivation was to support Skateistan’s work and the positive impact it will have on children.”
Peter Dobovičnik, the project director, added: “The project unites the reach of two subcultures deeply rooted in the lives of many individuals – skateboarding and gaming. We connected them with the goal of helping children and teenagers living in challenging environments. It turns out that with a good project, it’s not hard to attract people from around the world who are willing to sacrifice their free time for a good cause. The key task for Futura FTW was to bring this idea, born from pan-European collaboration, to the right people – and we did so successfully.”
The project aims to inspire the global skateboarding and gaming communities to engage with characters representing students of Skateistan and, through donations, ensure that these and other students can skateboard in the real world.
The creators encourage gamers around the globe to not just play a game, but to take part in a cause: “Don’t just play a game – Play a part.” #PlayForSkateistan
The project has been supported by well-known skateboarding game streamers like JL_Nightmare and Shades Wade, as well as professional skateboarders like Walker Ryan and the TSG team. Gamers from Slovenia can also join in by playing as Sara, Natalia, or Arun and donating to support children in developing countries. Slovenian gaming icons have already embraced the project, with Timotej Lampe Ignjić, a former professional skateboarder from Slovenia and now a partner and creative producer at CHILI FILMS, also expressing his enthusiasm: “I think it’s great that skateboarding is being brought into another environment through this project, especially for a good cause! It not only promotes solidarity in our society but also spreads the spirit of sport and teamwork.”
Futura FTW is part of the global FTW (For The Win) network and a cornerstone of Future DDB, focusing on the gaming industry. The agency offers its clients global and regional solutions for gaming, the metaverse, and esports.
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