STD Pong: changing risky sexual behaviour in Africa through persuasive games

Abstract

This paper presents the design and development of a persuasive game for health aimed at promoting risky sexual behaviour change among African youths called STD Pong. The arcade-style game simulates various sexual risky behaviours that could lead to contracting STDs and HIV and how to avoid them. It engages players in an interactive manner using various persuasive strategies with the aim of imparting knowledge and skills about safe sexual behaviours/practices, how to avoid risky sexual behaviours, and hence motivating desirable behaviour change. The game also uses the addictive concept of the popular ping-pong game and the principles of game-based learning to engage users in the game while persuading them to refrain from risky sexual behaviours/practices.