This week, the world’s first humanitarian video game -- “Food Force” -- will be available in seven languages following the launch of French, Hungarian and Chinese versions.

These will join the Japanese, Italian and Polish editions already available, and the original English game launched in mid-2005.

The games are being released in the lead up to World Food Day, 16 October.

Food Force is an educational computer game created by WFP to teach children about the problem of hunger and the importance of humanitarian aid work.

Triggering interest

The game, which is targeted at children aged 8 to 13, is available as a free download from www.food-force.com.

“Food Force is clear evidence that with the right medium, an issue as invisible and distant as hunger in the developing world can trigger interest and support in countries where too much food is the high profile problem today,” said Neil Gallagher, WFP’s Director of Communications.

“Positive reactions from children, teachers, parents, game specialists around the world have surpassed all our expectations. We are thrilled that Food Force has crossed so many borders.”

Major success

The English, Japanese, Italian and Polish versions, which were launched over the past 18 months, have totalled over 4.5 million downloads to date, making Food Force a major success story in the educational gaming sector.

All Food Force language versions have been made possible through donations from game industry leaders and international organisations.

Versions

The French game was supported by the computer and video game publisher Ubisoft, and will be launched in Paris on 15 October.

The Hungarian version, which will be launched in Budapest on 13 October, has been financed by the European Commission’s development agency, ECHO.

The Chinese Food Force, which was built on a pro-bono basis by one of China’s leading media companies, Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited, will be presented to the public on 19 October.

Silke Buhr
Food Force
Project Manager
Tel. +3906 6513 2198
Mob. +39 338-632-9197
silke.buhr@wfp.org

Brenda Barton
Deputy Director Communications
WFP/Rome
Tel. +39-06-65132602
Mob. +39-3472582217
brenda.barton@wfp.org

Gregory Barrow
WFP/London
Tel. +44-20-75929292
Mob. +44-7968-008474
gregory.barrow@wfp.org

Christiane Berthiaume
WFP/Geneva
Tel. +41-22-9178564
Mob. +41-79-2857304
christiane.berthiaume
@wfp.org

Jennifer Parmelee
WFP/Washington D.C.
Tel. +1-202-6530010
Mob. + 1-202 4223383
jennifer.parmelee
@wfp.org