Interactive Nights I and II, which address social responsibility issues, are available through a subscription service for educators and families. In both games, teens are placed into situations in which they are challenged by peer pressure. Interactive Nights I illustrates situations where characters are pressured to experiment with drugs and/or alcohol. The recommended age range for this game is 12 to 17. Interactive Nights II leads players through situations that involve making decisions about sexual activity. The recommended age range for this game is 16 to 23, due to the explicit nature of some of the conversations.
Central High by Destiny Interactive is a software game in a similar format that is a little lighter and more appropriate for a younger population, with a recommended age of 9 to 15. This is also a scenario-based game in which players encounter moral and ethical dilemmas, while promoting refusal skills and positive character values. This product has been endorsed by the National Center for Youth Issues.
For the college-bound crowd, there's Alcohol 101 Plus. This organization offers an interactive game on its website that features a virtual tour of a college campus. Users are led to different parts of the campus where they can either find information or explore a situation in which they are required to make a responsible and safe choice. The outcome of the situation changes depending on the choice. This game does an especially good job of addressing the dangers of binge drinking on college campuses.
NIDA offers at least three notable games on its website that are appropriate for preteens and older.
Dr. Nida's Challenge is an online game in which users choose a character, which they will build into a "complete" person. They then proceed to answer a series of questions that identify the physiological consequences of tobacco and substance abuse and are even able to view the affected body parts.
Sara's Guest takes users on an expedition with a multiple-choice game in which users learn about the characteristics of nicotine and other street drugs, including inhalants and steroids.
Set in space, Space Wrangler players choose correct responses to drug-abuse questions by shooting asteroids, complete with power boosts. Too many incorrect answers knock them out of the game. These characteristics should attract and sustain attention, entertaining users while they learn.