Jeepney game highlights drivers’ struggles
Young developers have introduced a 3D game to underline the impact of the ongoing phaseout of traditional jeepneys on the lives of drivers and their families.
The project is in response to the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which aims to replace jeepneys and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) of at least 15 years old supposedly to address safety, efficiency, and environmental concerns.
Creators Iyanla Bagasan, Eriond De Jesus, Marcus Florentino, MJ Lenomta, and Charlotte Timbreza were mentored by thesis adviser Ian Christian Sevilla.
The team understood the potential benefits of the government program. However, they likewise underscored that implementation issues, particularly the timeline and the higher cost, highlighted complexities involved in such a significant transformation.
“Ever since the emergence of jeepneys, they have become ingrained in the daily transportation, livelihood, and even the cultural identity of Filipinos,” they stated.
“They are privately owned and operated. Yet the government wants their owners to pay P2.8 million for a minibus and admission into a cooperative,” they added. “With an estimated income of P400 a day, each driver will only be able to pay such debt in 19 years.”
The provided timeline, according to the team, leaves drivers no option but to cooperate with large corporations.
To shed light on the experiences of the drivers and their families, the students from the Game Design and Development Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) combined interesting visuals and gameplay to provide an engaging and educational platform.
Dubbed Para Po!, the game allows players to navigate the bustling streets of the metro and master the art of jeepney driving. This, while tackling the intricacies of urban traffic, passenger management, and, of course, the looming threat of the phaseout.
“By simulating the life of a jeepney driver within the context of PUVMP, Para Po! not only provides entertainment but also serves as a learning tool, fostering empathy and understanding,” they explained.
Ideal for fans of socially relevant gameplay, it allows users to champion their advocacy to help preserve the legacy of the iconic vehicle amid real-world challenges.
Para Po!, which was launched for Windows PC, was produced using Unreal Engine, an advanced game development platform for blueprint programming.
It was hailed as the Best Capstone in the students’ graduating batch.
At the recently concluded Philippine Creative Awards: Game On 2024, it likewise nabbed the Best Innovation Award. It was also nominated for the Game of the Year and Best Desktop/Console Game under the School Category.
