Most players played the game in groups by utilizing one device and “screen name”. The game asked each player to indicate how many adult players were in their group, based on which we estimate the total amount of players. During the CityLabs Festival (11th to 17th of June), an estimate of 443 adult players played the game. Because of the game’s popularity, the University of Oulu decided to reopen the game for the public. The game was free to be played during July, when most Finns have their annual leave. During July an estimate of 407 adult players more played the game, making the total 850 players.
Data collected from the city-development tasks were shared with the stakeholders who had participated in game development and were interested in utilizing the data. Even though there had initially been concerns of whether players would put effortinto answering the city-development-related tasks, the quantity and quality of data surprised both the developers and collaborating partners. For example, when asking players what could increase the vitality of the city centre and how to make it more unique, a lot of insightful and innovative ideas were presented, ranging from new types of events to establishing a tram system in Oulu.
Similarly, when players were asked to ideate new events they would like to see in Oulu, suggestions included film festivals, comic book-, gaming- and cosplaying events, music festivals, dance shows, and food culture events among many others. Additionally, when asked to share what worries in Oulu, a diverse set of concerns were reported from drug and violence problems to marginalization and social exclusion of the young population.
