Venture to Crystal Island!
Battle encroaching darkness and journey from “ME” to “WE”
Crystal Island is a collaborative digital game that enables middle and high school students to develop basic financial skills, discover how the design of money perpetuates disparity, and imagine how local currencies and new digital technology could be used to create inclusive, sustainable communities that foster economic mobility.
The game is designed to be played by 4-6 players in educational and after-school settings. Companion materials allow teachers to engage with students about how money (or lack of it) affects their lives, how money differs from wealth, and how learning about money in a bias- and stigma-free context enables students to understand and access our money system while also inventing new ways to achieve prosperity for all.
Learning Phases
1. Personal Finance
Income
Expenses
Budgeting
2. Communal Finance
Shared Resources
Public Well-Being
The Role of Taxes
3. Money as a Tool
Facilitated Exchange
Collaboration vs. Competition
Money vs. Wealth
Many Monies for Many Uses
The Story of Crystal Island
Fun to Play!
“When I got the Crystal Tuning talent, I thought: what the heck? It was cool when I learned I could use it to solve other people’s problems.” Sebastian, Switzerland, age 13
“I loved playing the Mayor. It was hard to keep everyone healthy and happy, but it was fun, too!” Elija, Manhattan, age 10