A world without oil, in a game

A San Jose designer is trying to solve a crisis before it can happen.

In a matter of days, gas prices will skyrocket, a dwindling food supply will rot, and the oil crisis will literally stop Americans in their tracks.

How can you and your loved ones survive a crippling breakdown?
Log in to “World Without Oil,” a free alternate reality game that taps our collective ingenuity to stop a plausible crisis before it happens. Or at least prepare a post-Katrina nation to deal better with a disaster.

Sprung from the imagination of San Jose gamemaker Ken Eklund, the 30-day Internet game begins April 30 at http://www.worldwithoutoil.org.

“Oil’s” creators herald the venture as a first – an alternate reality game that wrestles with a significant social problem. Another topical game, the obesity-themed “Fatworld,” is in production.

“This is the alternate reality game that will change reality,” Eklund said.

“People are realizing that (an alternate reality game) is not only a viable way to teach and entertain people, in many ways it’s better than booklearning.”

Daily Democrat