Gelukzoekers
Critical design
Gelukszoekers is a game that takes its name from the Dutch term often used derogatorily to describe refugees seeking a better future. Through gameplay, players are challenged to reflect on a critical question: Who are the real gelukszoekers? Is it the people striving for a better life, or the smugglers who exploit their suffering for profit?
Assignment
For this assignment, we were challenged to position ourselves as designers and reflect on how we communicate our values and ideas. My focus as a designer is to challenge the way we think and how we are influenced by others, offering new perspectives and a deeper understanding of a topic. In this case, I wanted to explore the refugee crisis and how refugees are often blamed for seeking a better future. This project aims to question who is truly at fault and who should bear the blame.
Process
I began by reflecting on how I wanted to address the issue — whether to take a serious approach or explore a more playful one. Since a playful tone aligns more with my style, I chose that direction. The game underwent several iterations as I refined how it would play. Initially, the player would take on the role of the refugee, but I realized that this didn’t fully push the narrative of who is truly to blame. Eventually, I shifted the focus to the smugglers, illustrating how the situation becomes a never-ending "game" in which people’s lives are manipulated for profit.
Challenge
The biggest challenge was making the wave mechanism work properly. It went through several iterations, but the material ended up being too heavy for the motor to handle. However, we adapted by allowing players to interact with the waves using their fingers, which added a playful element to the game. Players had the most fun trying to make the waves as chaotic as possible, causing as many refugees as possible to fall from the boat. This, in turn, extended the game and allowed players to earn more money per refugee. This mechanic pushes the narrative further, highlighting the disturbing mindset of profiting off the suffering of others.
Result
The result is an interactive board game that allows players to immerse themselves in the role of a smuggler. It often causes players to forget they’re playing with the lives of others. Through game elements like cards with scenarios refugees face, players are confronted with these struggles and challenged to reflect on their morals while simultaneously trying to win the game. This project encourages users to question their views on the refugee crisis and the hardships these individuals endure.
