In the interactive investigation tool, developed by Italy’s Altera Studio team, gamers can become Al Jazeera journalist, gathering evidence and notes, and building a case to report on the environmental crime of illegal fishing in Sierra Leone, a crime stealing a precious protein source for millions.
The topic chosen is based on a report by journalist Juliana Ruhfus “Pirate Fishing”, for the Al Jazeera series People & Power, nominated for the Royal Television Society Awards.
“We’re basically gamifying current affairs,” says People & Power Correspondent Juliana Ruhfus.
“Investigative journalism can be seen as quite high-brow, whereas ‘gamification’ can open it up to a new generation of digital-savvy journalists. It’s important for us to push the boundaries and explore new ways to reach audiences.”
The tool highlights the investigative journalism process of evidence-collection, fact checking and note taking. “The game highlights how news stories are created, and the benchmarks needed to qualify your reporting. We’ve been encouraged by the response so far,” commented Ruhfus.
Test your skills as an investigative journalist at: www.aljazeera.com/piratefishing from 24 September.
Watch part two of the Pirate Fishing documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcXCvY6hnEE.
