Black Entrepreneurs Partner with Bay Area Nonprofits to Deliver a Gaming Solution Supporting COVID-19 Response Efforts

Campaign link: http://kck.st/3gFeUr6

Berkeley, Calif. – (July 2020) Ibariki Media and E360 West, two Black-owned companies are teaming up to deliver a timely and relevant video game tutorial to help kids demystify Covid-19. The game, Clean Streak, equips players with knowledge and tools that can be used to protect themselves in the real world.
Clean Streak is a Virtual Reality Educational Game in which participants need to achieve a safe rating by cleansing their environment of the coronavirus. The game structure is similar to an escape room with various activities to complete. Additionally, the game keeps you connected to news and coronavirus updates with the latest science findings, experts, and events.

This free resource for parents, educators and all community members will be available on both IOS and Android devices.

The video game tutorial is slated for release before the next flu season; the team is working hard to make it available before the predicted second wave. The game will be available for download across most major digital distribution platforms, free of charge.

“We want to give young people and their families peace of mind during these challenging times,” says Jamal Williams, Founder and CEO of E360 West.
The Team is developing the video game with the support of local Bay Area nonprofits including: Inter-City Services, Movement Strategy Center, MC Arts and Culture,  and Mbai Basa’a, and IMPOP.

The idea behind partnering with local non-profits is the critical need to create an ecosystem of like-minded organizations and individuals to model a holistic approach to community collaboration. Each mind has its strengths, and creating solutions to society’s quandaries takes a dynamic team of ideas, talents and connectivity.
“We have a unique opportunity to demystify this pandemic by learning through play, which is surging in the midst of this period of quarantine and social distancing,” says Achille Massoma, CEO and Co-Founder of Ibariki Media.
The producers of this project, Achille Massoma, Darryl Star and Jamal Williams, have worked tirelessly for many years to make technology accessible to Black and Brown youth in the Bay Area.

Going forward, Achille, Darryl and Jamal are joining efforts by forming a game-focused tech education and inclusive training program. This venture will use technology, art and other creative media to harness the power of storytelling for greater civic engagement while increasing free expression and greater creativity for its users. “These games, tutorials and exhibits creatively incorporate environmental, racial and social justice within the gaming experience.” Williams said, adding, “I can’t wait to show the world what we can do.”

“Using technology in game form lights up our emotional response and perspectives,” noted Darryl Starr, Creative Director of Ibariki Media. “Technology is a catalyst for addressing the socioeconomic, racial and environmental challenges of our time."
We hope this can serve as a statement that puts focus on changing the way people feel, using technology in meaningful forms to emotionally spin our perspectives and address the socioeconomic and environmental challenges of our time.

Kickstarter link: http://kck.st/3gFeUr6