A new online game has been launched to try and attract Internationals to the city, so The Northern Times dispatched an International to find out what its like!
by Alexis Veenendaal
A new virtual game has arrived in Groningen, designed for students new to the city. The game is designed to give a virtual tour of focal points in the city.
You can interact with the walk-through to learn more information about historical sights, common Dutch phrases, local hangouts, and even how to navigate the supermarket and make a Groningen specialty: mustard soup. Small multiple choice questions allow you to move through to the next level of the tour. Plus, there is a bonus hidden sentence that you can compile as you traverse virtual Groningen and fill your passport.
The tour begins on level one with an ‘Introduction to Groningen’. As you progress through the levels, you will encounter small information sections that teach you about city life and local hangouts, with additional off-site links if you are interested in learning more. You are immersed into the game with the calming background soundscapes of seagulls, city crowds, and Dutch music. Plus, the game is both mobile and desktop friendly.
The multiple choice questions are low-stakes, and choosing the right answer will click you through to the next scene of the game. Throughout the tour, you will encounter buttons on the ground saying ‘you are here’, that will show a city map view as a reference point.
The first level of the game has been released, with the next levels coming over the following weeks. The virtual game is an enjoyable and relaxing way to navigate the city, and gain some insight into the (perhaps) unfamiliar Dutch culture.
Play the game here: https://groningen.nl/en/study/discover-student-life/game
