MAD - Must Avoid Destruction

MAD – Must Avoid Destruction was a prototype developed during a solo one-week game jam by Master's students at the University of Gloucestershire. The theme of the jam was “Non-Violence,” encouraging creative approaches to gameplay without relying on combat mechanics.

MAD – Must Avoid Destruction places the player in the role of a world leader, tasked with navigating escalating global crises in an attempt to preserve peace and stability.

The theme of “Non-Violence” is explored through the abstraction of geopolitical decision-making, where leaders are removed from directly committing acts of violence. Instead, players must weigh the threat and potential use of force against peaceful resolutions and diplomatic compromise. The game highlights how both approaches - aggression and diplomacy—can lead to complex and often unpredictable outcomes in international affairs.

Ultimately, the player’s goal is to prevent the ultimate final act of violence - the threat of Mutually Assured Destruction.