"The world has been struck by calamity. As if from out of nowhere, a grey fog spread across the land, blotting out the sun. People all over the globe looked in terror as their world transformed into a colorless landscape. They didn't know what to expect, but shortly after its first appearance the dark fog began to cause an illness. The ones exposed were met with a terrible fever and cough. This strange phenomenon accelerated the spread of the fog and, very soon, no city was left untouched. Many people perished from the illness. Governments broke, communities fractured, families destroyed. Social order fell apart and society crumbled. Fifteen years have passed. The survivors have since coalesced into smaller communities throughout the world, banding together to create their own little worlds of comfort."
The Road Ahead is a serious video game developed to promote social change, civic engagement, and experiential learning. This project is the first in-depth investigation of a participatory, game-making process that translates the experience of personal and social disruption based on the Covid-19 pandemic into a digital product with educational and therapeutic value. Moreover, this study represents a blueprint for collaboration between youth and researchers to advance youth creativity, learning and leadership.
The Road Ahead grew through many stages. This page follows the journey: the timeline, the artwork, and the builds along the way.
Timeline
Birth of the idea 2020
The idea for the Gaming Against Stigma initiative and the creation of The Road Ahead was brewing. The goal: a serious game made by youth, for youth.
Brainstorming
The team started development, learning tools and brainstorming together. Identity solidified with concept art, villages, a basic gameplay loop, and characters.
First big team expansion: the RPG Maker era
Focus shifted to memory creation. The project moved into RPG Maker so anyone could build, no coding required. Team members created their own memories from A to Z.
Demo release
The first playable build went live on itch.io.
Change in approach: the move to Unity
The team moved to a more complex engine with an emphasis on creativity, and making a serious game. A smaller, refocused team took on standardized assets, workflows, and specialization.
Unity sprints and demo 2
Co creation became structured sprints. Asset pipelines, standards, and the second demo release.
Research and sharing
Grounded-theory interviews and focus groups with youth gamers shaped the design. The project was presented at the Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Care Conference Ottawa 2024, the Canadian Game Studies Association Montreal 2024 and 2025, the International Conference on Youth Mental Health Vancouver 2025, and the Games for Change Festival New York 2025.
Now
The world keeps growing in Unity. New villages, new memories, and the road ahead.
Artwork
Concept art and illustration from the team, shared at conferences along the way.
