Ep. 9: Breakthrough - Shadows of Byzantium

Our host Donna Dupont interviews Dr. Oliver Jones to discuss Breakthrough: Shadows of Byzantium - AOD’s new turn-based mystery investigation wargame.

Breakthrough puts players in situations that enable them to seamlessly develop complex strategy-making capabilities. The Shadows of Byzantium scenario takes place in Istanbul, Turkey, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia in 2040. With Turkey on the cusp of entering the European Union after a decade of political reforms and humanitarian initiatives, Istanbul is becoming a major cosmopolitan center and economic hub. Yet, its role as an emerging power in the EU is in peril. Following the outbreak of a new respiratory disease, the city is racked with unrest with the potential to spill over Turkey’s borders. The United Nations Security summons players to investigate the implications of a new disease on human security in Turkey and the region. What they uncover will shape the fate of not only Turkey, but its alliances and partnerships for years to come.

About This Episode's Guest:

Oliver Jones is a senior researcher at AOD. In his role at the Archipelago of Design, Oliver leads cutting edge research projects, including serious game design and publishing initiatives on emerging security and defence topics. Jones holds a PhD from the English department of York University in Toronto and MA from McMaster University's Critical Theory and Cultural Studies program. His doctoral dissertation, “Literary Friction: Poetics at the Operational Level of War” explores how literary practices have been mobilized to support innovation in defense organizations, from TE Lawrence to the present day.

Show Notes

AOD is thrilled to announce the official launch of Breakthrough: Shadows of Byzantium at our Annual Event in Lisbon, running from September 18-21, 2024!

Project Inner Alliance, currently under development in partnership with Wero Creative, is one of several games conceived by AOD to accelerate cultural evolution. Specifically, Project Inner Alliance promotes transformation of beliefs and behaviours by exploring team dynamics and cohesion. Through mechanics such as limited command, trust, and procedural rhetoric, players learn the importance of increasing inclusivity and readiness in their teams, both in the game and in real life. Learn more: https://aodnetwork.ca/project-inner-alliance/
Note: This game is in the early stage of development, if you are interested in collaborating on the game design and/or have expertise in emergency management or disaster relief we invite you to email us at [email protected].

Safeguarding the Future: A Strategic Foresight Handbook for National Security and Defence Professionals, developed in partnership with Helen Kerr and KerrSmith Design, is a practical guide designed to equip leaders and teams with future-ready mindsets, essential for navigating the rapid and unpredictable changes in today's global landscape. This handbook addresses the need for resilient, adaptive, and proactive strategies, particularly in the realms of defense and security. It includes detailed, step-by-step instructions on various foresight tools, relevant case studies, and resources to deepen understanding, aiming to foster future-thinking skills that can be applied across diverse initiatives. Learn more: https://aodnetwork.ca/safeguarding-the-future/

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Previous AOD Content
Tension Ep. 8: Project Inner Alliance - Designing a social impact game focusing on cultural evolution, inclusivity and team cohesion
Tension Ep. 7: The Bold and Messy Roller-coaster Ride of Design Education for Military Officers
Tension Ep. 6: Should We Play or Should We Learn? Reflections on the Tension Behind Serious Games

Credits
Host: Donna Dupont
Editor: Mikhial Gurarie
Graphic Designer: Habiba Elgendy
Producer: Thomas Changarathil