FIGHT HIV/AIDS IN 'BATTLE IN THE BLOOD' MOBILE GAMING APP

"People that have played the game are so grateful to see PLHIV not as victims but as believable and inspiring characters."

Dr. Emmanuel S. Baja, research associate professor, DOST “Balik” Scientist and Principal Investigator of the HIV Gaming, Engaging, and Testing (HIV GET Tested) Project from the Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, announced that a digital advocacy gaming application has been developed to help address the barriers to HIV testing and counselling (HTC).

Dubbed "Battle in the Blood (#BitB)," the app is a unique puzzle and turn-based combat mobile game. The game aims to influence social norms, knowledge and attitude surrounding HIV/AIDs and to challenge the belief that you can no longer live a long and fulfilling life after a HIV positive diagnosis. It contrasts this with the risk to your health and future by delaying or refusing testing and treatment services.

The focus during the design and development of the game was to make certain that the game was acceptable, relevant, and engaging.

GAME READY

Asked what the team is most proud of, "It is the first gaming app that would hopefully help increase the uptake of HIV testing and treatment in the Philippines. That HIV is not a death sentence anymore. It is just a chronic disease like Diabetes, there is treatment available and people living with HIV (PLHIV) can still have a normal and happy life,” Dr. Baja said.

The gaming app is already available for download at Google Play and Apple store.

HOW TO PLAY

Players journey across 90 levels battling HIV and his army of co-infections. On the way, they witness 8 short stories about the PLHIV they're helping. Players can create their own gender fluid avatar with a wide range of hairstyles and outfits. Each story is told using a dynamic 2D comic book Manga-style animation, a popular art form in the Philippines.

Each story shows the character demonstrating courage in overcoming real fears and barriers to HIV testing and treatment, the player must then complete a batch of 10 levels to see how each short story ends. A twist at the end results in the player choosing how the story ends for the 8th character.

The screen is split into two; a puzzle board where players must connect icons to build up their avatar’s attack and defense power, and an animated combat scene where players get to see the combat for that round play out. They can access the menu at any point during the game. Here, they can check out where they are on the leader board. Read about the different game icons and access online information on where they can get free access HIV services. They can re-visit and replay all of the animations they've unlocked so far and finally check out their achievements.

Unlike other games on the market that make you pay for an extra life or in-game bonus in #BitB players can answer a simple question to gain an extra life and another chance to beat the level.

The battle is on to fight HIV!

Let the battle begin!