In online games, young people experience community, identity, and entertainment. At the same time, extremist actors use these spaces to subtly introduce ideologies, build trust, and influence people.
Educational institutions and professionals face the challenge of recognising these mechanisms and offering effective counter-strategies. How can educational professionals be empowered to reflect on gaming communities and right-wing extremism and intervene preventively?
Accessible e-learning programme
For more than 20 years, Violence Prevention Network has been developing innovative approaches to prevent extremism and radicalisation. The focus is on working with at-risk youth and individuals already involved in extremist structures. The organisation supports individuals leaving extremist groups, advises professionals, and develops educational programmes to strengthen democratic values and prevent violence. In addition to projects in schools, prisons, and youth facilities, the network is increasingly relying on digital formats to identify radicalisation early and counteract it effectively.
To address extremism and radicalisation in the field of digital games, Violence Prevention Network planned a low-threshold e-learning program focusing on “Gaming and Right-Wing Extremism” – specifically for multipliers and educational professionals.
From concept to campaign
Texts and content for the first module were already available at the time of the tender. flmh took on the task of transforming this content into a well-conceived concept and preparing it visually and medially.
We developed a new corporate design for the e-learning, tested design drafts early with a focus group, and then optimised content and formats. Interactive elements were designed with Articulate Storyline – from click-and-reveal and multiple-choice quizzes to video embedding. Interviews with experts on gaming and right-wing extremism were produced both remotely and in the studio and were thematically integrated into the course design. In parallel, we designed a landing page for additional content and an accompanying social media campaign to draw attention to the topic and the e-learning offering.
Strengthening prevention work
All three modules were published on a new Moodle-based learning platform, which flmh integrated with the campaign. The social media visuals adopt codes from the online context and generate attention among relevant target groups.
The project strengthens prevention efforts, raises awareness of digital radicalisation mechanisms, and provides professionals with tools to better reach young people.