Nanu Planet, is a non-profit, socially conscious web game developed by the “green, grim” project. The story develops as we learn about the people living inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of a divided planet. In this manner, the game addresses the history of the divided Korean Peninsula with its ongoing struggle for peace. Nanu Planet was developed to be a thoughtful game that helps bring about awareness of the DMZ, recognize difference amongst people, and offer potential paths to coexistence. The game has won the 2011 Koran Game Awards in the category of “serious game” for its experimental and creative concept.
The tale is told through a storybook-like adventure with cartoon characters initially based in the Korean Peninsula. The main character begins an exploration mission with his girlfriend when they get sucked into a black hole and unexpectedly land on Nanu Planet. Upon arrival, they are separated and cannot find one another. A vast forest that divides into two is a portrayal of the DMZ separating the two Koreas.
During the gaming experience, users follow the characters, explore the planet, and interact with the story. As the user becomes more familiar with the situation and history of the DMZ, the individual begins to develop their own thoughts and ideas about the situation. Nanu Planet is easily played through a point and click interface directly on a webpage and without installation. In this way, Nanu Planet easily engages users into a serious social issue that otherwise may be hard to address.
The website also features the DMZ Exploration Team and Doctor DMZ. The DMZ Exploration Team is a service for users to visually explore the real Demilitarized Zone. Users will become part of the team and will search for rare items, learn about endangered species, and discover the history and national monuments of the Korean peninsula. Doctor DMZ is structured as a game the whole family can enjoy. Users will have a chance to learn about the plants and wildlife in the DMZ in a fun and engaging way.
