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Whether you are still attending high school, already studying or making a career switch wants to make: it is not easy to find out which job exactly matches your skills and wishes. Any tool with which this can be mapped out more clearly is a bonus. For example, various games are available – nowadays often in the form of apps for iOS and Android – that mimic certain aspects of a profession. A handy tool to get a taste of the real thing!
Serious games of DTT
The Amsterdam located DTT is a company that develops such ‘serious games’ on behalf of various companies and organizations. For example, a municipality can engage DTT and have them make a game app . The company, founded in 2010, has managed to get millions of downloads and numerous positive reviews with various apps. Various clients, including the Ministry of Defense, the UWV and Greenpeace, therefore use DTT to develop games that offer a high-quality experience as well as actually teach the player something. Fortunately, that doesn’t get in the way of the gaming fun that can be had.
“As a games developer, we understand that making a serious game is not a game,” says DTT. The developer emphasizes that it is essential for governments and companies to reach target groups in a unique way. “Whether that’s learning to play the piano through a game, improving a customer-friendly attitude among your staff, or entertaining people with an entertaining game.” Below are some examples of serious games from DTT, which help the player to experience a possible future job or education.
Air Combat Command
The Air Combat Control game was commissioned by the Department of Defense by DTT. With this app, the Air Force can come to high schools and play the game with a class. In the game you defend the Dutch airspace against possible threats. Unreliable air traffic may emerge and must be spotted and communicated to pilots.
“Within the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the air combat command has an important role,” reports DTT. “The air combat command serves as the ears and eyes of the pilots. In this way they build a reliable aerial image, search for suspicious aircraft that must identify themselves and estimate when the deployment of F-35s is necessary. ”
The app not only playfully gives players a taste of the real thing – to finding out if someone’s area of interest lies here – it also helps the Air Force find potential toppers. The best players in the class are invited to take a look at the Air Force.
Take Control of the Tower
Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) is not averse to a game. A game was previously available in which players could experience what it is like to control air traffic. And not without success: the app reached more than two million downloads. Together with DTT, a new, more modern game has been created that is available on iOS and Android.
Take Control of the Tower gives players control over the airspace. Determining the departure and arrival routes is essential to keep air traffic in the right direction and to ensure that the airport does not get bogged down in complete chaos. This requires not only insight, but also a player who can keep his head cool at all times – after all, more and more planes are arriving that want to land or take off.
In addition, the game contains a stimulating competitive edge: players are ranked by their performance, resulting in all kinds of statistics that are visible to everyone. Of course, the best players receive a badge to show off. The game not only provides a fun gameplay experience: the goal of potentially making people enthusiastic about a career at the LVNL is also achieved, based on the positive reactions in the Apple Store and Google Play Store!
MBO City
Before starting a career, you must of course first have an appropriate training. If you are considering an MBO course, the MBO City app is an essential download. This app was made by DTT for KiesMBO, a study choice portal that gives future students a clear overview of the various studio options. After all, the right choice can lead to a bright future.
In MBO Stad you explore the MBO landscape in a playful way in order to get to know different professions where suitable for. You have the freedom to determine your own way in this virtual city – for example via a tram – and to get to know the various inhabitants. A unique aspect is that the app has a SimCity-like approach: in addition to exploring the city, you can further expand the city together with other players.
Take serious games seriously
The term ‘ serious games’ often evokes a somewhat dull image for many gamers. Admittedly; of course you are not going to find the new Resident Evil or Fortnite within this genre. Serious games have a different function than the usual games we play for entertainment. Players are informed about things that really matter, from finding the right job or training to raising awareness about social issues.
Just the fact The fact that such a wide range of types of games are available within the game industry for different purposes and target groups makes games as a medium so interesting and successful. As a small country, we are – also thanks to developers like DTT – seriously big in this genre!
