Nijntje Goes Back To School

Nijntje Goes Back to School: A Game Overview

"Nijntje Goes Back to School” (our game) is deeply rooted in the cultural values of human dignity and the right to mental health. It also embodies the principles of community support, empathy, and resilience. These values are woven into the gameplay, promoting a message that mental well-being is a fundamental human right. 

Our game communicates these values through interactive scenarios that require players to respond to emotional challenges. By simulating real-life situations, it encourages players to practice empathy and support, reinforcing the importance of respecting each individual’s mental health journey. 

Our game aims to evoke a spectrum of emotions, from the initial empathy for Nijntje’s situation to feelings of reassurance, strength, and protection as players progress. The ultimate goal is to foster a sense of satisfaction and achievement, highlighting the impact of collective effort in supporting one another.

Creating “Nijntje Goes Back to School” under 24 hours was a testament to our team’s resilience. The design process itself was empowering, as it demonstrated our ability to collaborate effectively and produce a meaningful game that can potentially impact players’ perspectives on mental health. 

Team members and credits:

• Game Designers: Elena, Grace, Iris, Madelief, Rozin

• Craftsman, Designer, and Artists: Madelief, Rozin, and Iris form the creative core behind ‘Nijntje Goes Back to School.’ Their collaboration brought the game’s world to life through the intricate design of the board, the imaginative creation of the cards, and the innovative mechanics that drive gameplay. Their contributions extend beyond these elements, infusing every aspect of the game with a touch of artistry and functional elegance.

• Storyteller 1: Elena’s contributions to ‘Nijntje Goes Back to School’ were invaluable. Her narrative expertise enriched the game’s story, her articulation of the game idea brought clarity and vision, and her input into the game log added depth. Moreover, her insights were instrumental in refining the game’s mechanics, ensuring a seamless and engaging player experience.

• Storyteller 2: Grace’s multifaceted talent significantly shaped ‘Nijntje Goes Back to School.’ Her creative input was crucial not only in crafting the compelling storyline and developing the engaging content for the game’s website but also in contributing to the overall game design. Her narratives and design insights have endowed the game with its unique depth and purpose