Tivoli Utopia takes its players to a future, where humankind has already faced several surprising and disruptive wicked problems from climate change to biodiversity loss and the bouncy end of the fossil-based economy. In other words, the society has jumped out from the growth-oriented capitalistic, economic system – in which people are just trying to succeed and maintain the living standards – to some kind of holistic values and humanity emphasising livelihood system. One could say that it is also a shift from our current information and tech oriented society into a utopian dream society where everything is possible.
However, the details of the future are to be discussed and decided based on the economical, societal, political and environmental values of the players. The only fact is that everything will be different than now. And as the future happens in an amusement park, don’t forget to enjoy and have fun! Because what’s the point in life without laughter and enjoyment?
“Synthetic 3d-printed hamburgers have a slightly coppery aftertaste but it’s ok.” – player X
The mission is to bring the positive futures thinking and visioning as an incremental part of studying and promote an open discussion culture on practical utopias; the desirable, feasible and societal designs of the future. The game aims to strengthen the trust into visioning the own futures. The first step of this change happens by understanding that the future doesn’t just happen but is instead something that we all can affect on. The second step is to start acting accordingly. Even these goals are rather huge, game as a method embodies the possibility of making the difficult processes, like the futures visioning, approachable and tangible.
In addition, a game as a setup makes addressing alternative sustainable futures related to heavy, complex and frustrating topics like climate change in a safe environment in a safe and positive way. While doing so, it also encourages the players to get rid of the present day’s human made laws and restrictions. Looking from a wider societal perspective the Tivoli Utopia responds to the need for the tools to comprehend the science based facts about wicked problems we are facing in the future.
“Hod dogs are nowadays made from the thing air. Or carbon dioxide!” – player Y
Tivoli Utopia Original takes its players to the society of the future, where themes from economy, environment and decision-making to social policy, influence and technology are discussed extensively.
The version is aimed at 15-25 year olds, works for adults as well.
Tivoli Utopia Junior helps children understand questions related to the future in a fun way. There are six, easy to approach, themes in the game; joy, kindness, courage, curiosity, gentleness and fairness.
This version is best suited for children aged 8-12.
Thanks for the grants, support and the opportunity goes to many.
The iterations have been supported by Sitra, Global Education Fund from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Finland, Committee for Public Information (TJNK) Child and Nature Foundation, The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare and Youth Academy.
Visit tivoliutopia.fi for further information. You can also print your copy of the game in Finnish.
The Tivoli Utopia discussion game is licensed under a Creative Commons license. You can use the game freely and you can also modify it for your own use as long as you remember to refer to Tivoli Utopia. However, the Tivoli Utopia discussion game cannot be sold or used for commercial purposes.