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We Are Martinsville (WAM): Leveraging Mobile Gaming for Community Engagement and Improving Health

Author

Listed:
  • Mona El Khafif

    (School of Architecture, University of Virginia, USA)

  • Kathy Hsu Wibberly

    (Center for Telehealth, University of Virginia, USA)

  • Elgin Cleckley

    (School of Architecture, University of Virginia, USA)

  • Tho H. Nguyen

    (Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia, USA)

  • Marcus H. Divers

    (Center for Telehealth, University of Virginia, USA)

Abstract

Rural communities in Virginia have experienced a decline caused by national economic trends. Formerly vibrant towns with rich histories and cultures increasingly suffer from a shrinking population and a lack of new investment, directly impacting the quality of life and services like education or healthcare. The loss of identity is a hindrance to innovative planning strategies and entrepreneurship. This paper reflects on an ongoing serious game effort developed by the University of Virginia and piloted in Martinsville, VA. That city's once-vibrant community faces challenges like unemployment, opioid addiction, and obesity. We Are Martinsville (WAM) recognizes Martinsville's rich ties to its history and cultural assets, offering a digital tool in support of a creative placemaking strategy. WAM fosters community engagement while simultaneously increasing outdoor activities and allowing stakeholders to generate place-based game content. This paper describes the findings of the pilot project.

Suggested Citation

  • Mona El Khafif & Kathy Hsu Wibberly & Elgin Cleckley & Tho H. Nguyen & Marcus H. Divers, 2021. "We Are Martinsville (WAM): Leveraging Mobile Gaming for Community Engagement and Improving Health," International Journal of E-Planning Research (IJEPR), IGI Global, vol. 10(4), pages 63-87, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:igg:jepr00:v:10:y:2021:i:4:p:63-87
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sedlacek Sabine & Kurka Bernhard & Maier Gunther, 2009. "Regional identity: a key to overcome structural weaknesses in peripheral rural regions?," European Countryside, Sciendo, vol. 1(4), pages 180-201, January.
    2. Ann Markusen, 2013. "Fuzzy concepts, proxy data: why indicators would not track creative placemaking success," International Journal of Urban Sciences, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(3), pages 291-303, November.
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