2014 Winners & Shortlists

Brief Explanation

"Dubai Delivery" is a cultural logistics game set in Dubai. Players can reveal the map of Dubai by managing a delivery company, and learn about the city's history and current lifestyle told by real Dubai residents Apart from creating a great gaming experience, the goal was to refine the perception of Dubai globally. We wanted to portray the diverse communities of Dubai, all of which are a vital part of the city even though they hardly receive any coverage in international media. We released the game on iTunes and promoted it on Facebook as well as game ad channels as much as we could, for the the budget of $1000 only. Regardless, the reception of the game was extremely positive. Some players told us the game encouraged them to plan a visit to the city during their next vacation. One particular player from Pakistan reported sleeping disorders and depression caused by the fact that he can't live in Dubai. He asked us to talk to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed about his repatriation to the UAE. Next time when we can talk to His Highness, we will ask him. There are around 300 Dubai "facts" to collect in the game. We had to balance very carefully; one factoid can be humorous for certain nationalities but insulting for others. Apart from a few complaint emails, it seems we were successful in that regard. We haven't received any calls from the police yet. International gaming magazines valued the effort of the game: "Offers a perspective not seen often in Western media, especially in games." - Cult of Mac "Few games manage to alter your perception in this way, and it’s even rarer in a mobile game." - GamesReviews.com "The educational facts add a whole new level to the game play." - AppPicker To see our home come to life in a game is priceless. We hope the residents of Dubai feel the same way when playing the game.