Gaming the Real World

One of the most successful computer games of recent times is Minecraft, in which players build virtual worlds from 3D blocks. The 11-year-old son of a Swedish city official is one of many hooked on the phenomenon. Before long, his father realises that this "digital Lego" can easily serve as a tool for participatory urban planning. This innovative method of involving the public in the reclamation of a Swedish district has not escaped the attention of UN-Habitat, a UN agency that promotes the development of socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements. The film follows several urban planning teams and three game developers who want to use games to democratise urban development. (One World)