Hard Choices Game Description

The outdoor game Hard Choices is a playful way to gather input on the future of a neighborhood with ordinary cell phones.

In 2021, the game launched in collaboration with the DC Office of Planning at a neighborhood festival called Art All Night. To begin the game, an MC or onstage host at a public event asks everyone to gather around one player selected to roll our 10 sided die.

Their role determines the neighborhood topic that everyone will consider and reveals a QR code that unlocks the opening question.

The game then unfolds in the text message conversation with our system. Players in real-time make choices by texting back their decision, especially on local issues from public space, priorities like lighting to bicycle transit and cultural resilience as well.

Players can leave comments for the city within the game, and we especially loved watching the game spill over into conversations between neighbors about what is best for their neighborhood.