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Newton-Based Firm Helps People Understand the Federal Budget Process

(Newton, MA) May 21, 2008 – How is the federal budget developed? How is it managed? What are the social and fiscal impacts of each budget decision? It was those questions – as well as others – that software developers at the Newton-based 360KID had to consider when American Public Media approached them about creating a serious game that examined the federal budget process. Now Budget Hero, the game 360KID helped to create, is attracting tens of thousands of players and is garnering the attention of bloggers from the Huffington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and Wired Magazine.

“American Public Media wanted to help people gain a better understanding of the federal budget process while increasing awareness of the social and fiscal impact of current budget and policy decisions,” says Scott Traylor, Founder and CEO of 360KID. “We were excited to participate, because we know that interactive games are a great way to gain a better understanding of complex issues.”

To play the game, participants review policy cards to help determine which issues they would like to “fund,” and where they feel the federal budget could be “cut.” In doing so, players get new insight into the complexities that make up each and every issue. For instance, playing the “Eliminate ‘Pork Barrel’ Projects” card removes over $240 billion of our nation’s debt. However, this card affects less than 1% of the federal budget and eliminates funding for community action programs that might otherwise not survive congressional approval. Is this a cut worth making? These are the kinds of intricacies that Budget Hero helps its audience to understand.

“The goal of Budget Hero is to get people to think. Think about their values, think about their feelings on our nation’s current budget situation, and then understand the tension and tradeoffs in every decision,” says Christine Donadio, who produced the project for 360KID. “It’s easy to say that you want to throw all of our money into the educational system, but when you see the tax, debt, and other ramifications of doing this you realize that it is not as simple a decision as you originally thought.”

The game was painstakingly researched by American Public Media to ensure that all of the information and data are current and accurate. In addition, 360KID designed and programmed the game to allow for the policy cards to be continually updated, which allows for an online experience that will continue to educate and inform even as the issues facing our nation change.

Budget Hero launched on May 12th, and is quickly becoming one of American Public Media’s most popular destinations. In addition to fine-tuning the general game-play of the Budget Hero concept, 360KID was also responsible for the creation of all of the game’s art, animation, and programming.

To play Budget Hero, visit www.budgethero.org.

About 360KID: 360KID is a Massachusetts-based, kid-focused content and technology company dedicated to creating quality products that educate as well as entertain. The company has won numerous industry awards and has been nominated for three Emmy Awards.

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