On July 18, the Committee of Criminal-Executive System (CCES) of the MIA via Polisia.kz announced a metaverse game based on blockchain technology, where the goal is for players to help convicted prisoners to rehabilitate.
The announcement was really exciting but left certain questions unanswered. Is there a real connection to actual inmates? What are the game's mechanics? And when will it be available?
QazMonitor contacted the press service of the committee to clarify what is really being developed.
The gameplay
First, let's clarify the most controversial part. Certain digital projects, especially non-profit ones, are connected to real-life efforts, such as saving Kazakhstan's red book birds by purchasing NFTs. The game developed by CCES has no connection to real inmates at penal institutions in Kazakhstan.
In the beginning, players will purchase a token of an inmate as an in-game character. There will be different tokens with different features available for purchase. Then, the players will correct and adapt incarcerated inmates using in-game tools to convert their characters into law-abiding citizens. Gamers will analyze the convict's individuality, and assess different risks and needs. The game tools are similar to the genuine measures used in Kazakh penal institutions and were designed in cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Play to earn?
The CCES press service clarified that players will be able to buy and sell their tokens for real money and spend it on in-game purchases.
The better the player uses tools to correct their digital inmate, the more expensive the token becomes. As a point of reference, the press service pointed to already existing metaverse games, such as Axie Infinity, where the player buys Pokemon-like creatures that have different indices of rarity, which affect the price. For example, in that game, tokens have unique appearances and characteristics, such as health, speed, skill, and morals. As for the game developed in Kazakhstan, we know that one such index is going to be criminal propensity.
Why does this game exist?
The announcement of the project coincided with Nelson Mandela's birthday, which is celebrated annually on July 18. The day serves to promote humane conditions of imprisonment; raise awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society; and value the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance.
"By publishing the game, the Committee aims to educate the general public. In such a way, it is a tool to communicate and enlighten people on our work," the press service stated.
The game will be publicly available on the PC platform for players in Kazakhstan and other countries, and the beta testing is planned to start in late 2023-early 2024.