A charity group is hoping that if you spend a few days with a homeless person — even an animated one on your iPhone — you’ll understand the problems they face. And perhaps donate to the cause.
iHobo was developed by Depaul UK, a charity devoted to youth homelessness. With a donor base largely over age 65, the iPhone app is a way they hope will get younger people involved. Players can also donate to the charity using the free app, currently available only in the UK store.
iHobo works much like Tamagotchi: the game takes place in real time over three days. Instead of a “pet” you play with a realistic, animated homeless man that you can give a sleeping bag, food or money. Take your choice and that’s it… until you start getting push notifications on your screen updating you on the man’s status.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aK3umnWNW4Q&feature=player_embedded
Ignore the alerts and live with the consequences: “He has been offered drugs to block out the cold. If you were here he might not have accepted them.” A stats screen shows the man’s well-being, body temperature and daily calorie intake, as well as how many alerts you’ve missed.
Via The Next Web
