Likely Story
Likely Story is a digital game that gets teens talking about topics like sex, consent, online safety and healthy relationships - within a context that keeps the topic light, anonymous, accessible, and easy to integrate into learning environments. I have been part of the small team behind the game since 2020, from branding to product and game design, illustration, and more. The game has reached over 18,000 young people through gameplay and has received 2 Silver Anthem Awards & Webee Honorees 2 years in a row.
The game was created in partnership with Victim Services agencies in Ontario and other NGOs, as well as experts, counselors, social workers, educators, researchers, and youth.
Credits to Robin Newman (founder of Likely Story), Jenny Drinkard (UX), Meghan Proulx (Copywriting), Sarah Kamil (Development), the team at Input Logic, and many others.
Appealing to a younger audience
The brand for Likely Story was designed with the teen audience in mind, with vibrant colors, playful typography and an expressive illustration style that encourages players to express themselves and lighten the experience. Talking about these taboo topics can be awkward and difficult but Likely Story makes it easier, feel normal, safe and even fun.
Learning through gameplay
The gameplay is simple, but it delves into a broad array of topics that range from relationships, consent, peer pressure, online safety, sex trafficking and manipulation and so much more. Teens are presented relatable scenarios based on real-life experiences for teens to respond to in their own way. Rounds swap between text rounds and GIF rounds, both offering open ended ways for teens to express themselves. At the end of each round, players see a “Hot Tip” written in a big-sister tone that adds meaningful context. The game is designed to encourage teens to talk and express themselves, with no wrong answers.
Extending learning and providing resources
After the game ends, the user experience (UX) needs to serve multiple purposes: providing a moment of delight and fun for the winning player, addressing sensitive topics with easily accessible resources, and preparing and motivating players to continue learning and exploring. Following a winning celebration, players will have access to a library of relevant resources including videos, helpful tips, quizzes, hotlines, and support links.
Tested and built to impact real-life learning
Over the years, we have collaborated closely with teachers to incorporate gameplay into classroom activities and lesson plans, as it can be a powerful tool for engaging teens in the places where they're primed for learning and can hear what their peers are thinking. So far, Likely Story has reached over 18,000 students in Canada, primarily through classroom play at schools in the Ontario School District. We have worked with classrooms and teen focus groups to gather feedback and conducted numerous play-tests with to validate design decisions throughout every part of the gameplay experience. Likely Story has been entirely funded by grants, receiving over $750,000 from generous partners and organizations, and the game is still expanding.
