What would happen if game avatars hit the street and decided to improve the ethical, environmental and social fabric of our city, this is the premise of ‘Wayfarer V2 <instrument_for_change>.

‘Wayfarer V2 <instrument_for_change> is a web-based, multiplayer game that breaks out of the box and migrates to the real world. Teams of ‘wayfarers’ undertake a series of live, socially responsible interventions in Melbourne. The wayfarers use mobile phones to video their events and stream them live to the Wayfarer website. The tasks can be skewed to create action or happenings in and around the Arts Centre or the CBD of Melbourne to ensure a presence on the streets.

The public and selected experts comment during the game using the website and other social media; the game lasts one week and at the finale the public and the experts discuss the actions, and drive a broader discussion about social responsibility. The public can track the teams as they go about their tasks, both on a map and also by watching videos on the website.

There is an urgency created inside the game by the clock running down and the need to complete a set of tasks within that timeframe, however the longer period for gameplay compared to V1 means there is time to contemplate the actions and comments from others.

Wayfarer will have at its centre the Hamer Hall, it is the start point, end point and centre of operations for Wayfarer V2. Kate and Martyn will be here most of the time, moderating the website and available for any questions or technology problems from the audience teams.