Tourist Tycoon

It is the year 2050. Over the past few decades the Earth has undergone drastic changes, plunging its peoples into destitution, despondency, and despair. The few who can afford to continue living luxuriously seek an escape - both figuratively and literally.

The small island nation of Malta, located in the acid oceans of the Mediterranean, offers such a relief. Over the years its economy has become more and more dependent upon the tourist industry, incentivising its leaders to prioritise foreign interests above all else. You, however, have different ideas. As the newly-instated government of Malta, you aim to change things for the better, pushing back against tourism in favour of prioritising the Maltese culture, people, and environment. 

Doing so will not be easy - Malta has become so reliant upon tourists that a constant influx of them is needed to maintain the economy. If you close your borders and forbid them from entering the country, there won't be any funds left to enact positive change. But if you make the same mistakes as your predecessors and welcome them with open arms, you may find yourself left with a barren island, devoid of life. Throughout it all you will have to decide what you value more - your goals, or the means of achieving them?

To play the game, click 'Run Game' above. I've also included both the original prototype and the current version as downloadable files below, if you prefer. Also remember to click the full-screen button in the left sidebar.

This game was created as part of the Erasmus+ project Shape2Gether, an incentive to give students the tools they need to translate complex information about the localised effects of climate change into simple, comprehensible experiences using new media technologies. It was specifically created as part of the second "summer" school, which took place on Malta in October 2024. You can find a reflection on the week here.