U.S. Department of State Launches First Mobile Phone Game
January 21, 2009
On January 24 the U.S. Department of State will release X-Life the Game, its first game for mobile devices. Within the game avatar-based characters discover adventures that will take them around the world. Read inscriptions on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to solve a mystery, build a race car, or take your rock band to Dubai and become global superstars.
The goal behind X-Life the Game is to help gamers learn English as well as facts about U.S. history, society, and culture during their discussions with the other characters in multiple cities and dozens of different surroundings.
The game will be available as a free download on www.xlifegames.com. The website will also serve as a social network where users can invite their friends to join, keep track of their X-Dollars and Educational Points earned in the game, and redeem their points to upgrade their virtual environment.
The game was developed by the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) and Global Strategic Engagement Center (GSEC) in collaboration with MetroStar Systems, one of the leading New Media technology solutions providers for the U.S. Department of State.