Geared Up
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Geared Up was a Scottish charity set up to teach team building and social skills through multi-player gaming and ran from 2001 to 2005. The project used computer gaming as a tool to engage young people while developing valuable personal, social and practical skills.
The project promoted the positive use of information technology and encouraged participation in structured multi-player gaming activities. Through team-based play, participants developed skills including communication, strategic thinking, planning, negotiation, teamwork, decision making, data handling and problem solving. Geared Up also placed importance on discussion, encouraging young people to justify their opinions, consider alternative viewpoints and learn to disagree respectfully.
A key feature of the project was the organisation and co-ordination of annual computer game tournaments, providing opportunities for young people to work together, compete fairly and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Between 2001 and 2005, Geared Up worked with and supported more than 600 young people across Scotland. At a time when gaming was often viewed purely as entertainment, the project demonstrated how interactive technology and multiplayer gaming could be used to develop social skills, encourage teamwork and create positive opportunities for young people.