In Colombia, corruption has had a widespread impact on the economy, particularly in constructing large-scale public projects such as schools, stadiums, hospitals, and roads. Over 1,400 projects remain incomplete due to fraud, theft, or embezzlement, earning them the nickname "white elephants" due to their costly and useless nature. These unfinished projects are found all over the country, and if they were combined, they could create a fully equipped city for over 2 million people. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure for education, health, sports, and entertainment, including mega schools, arenas, and cultural centers. The construction of "white elephants" has drained public resources, hindered economic growth, and reinforced the country’s overall corruption problem.
Corruption City
A mega-city paid in full, but its inhabitants could never enjoy
Client
- Publimetro
Office
- Colombia
Ricardo Castellanos
Product and Innovation Manager - Publimetro Colombia
Publimetro, Colombia's leading independent media, sought to showcase its investigative journalism to new audiences engaging and impactful. Many shocking publications on "white elephants" in Colombia from the past to the present were used as the foundation to highlight the outlet's independence.
"Corruption City" is a mega city for two million people, a dream place made up of roads, hospitals, libraries, schools, priority housing, stadiums, universities, and different public projects worth 25 trillion pesos that Colombians paid for with their taxes but never got to enjoy due to corruption and embezzlement. This city came to life as a video game where players can learn about the projects' costs, contractors, and locations and become virtual citizens with the power to demand unfinished or abandoned projects be reactivated by signing a petition. Through gameplay, players can hold those responsible accountable and promote ethical and transparent use of public funds.
"Corruption City" is a game in which everyone loses because it shows how the 6,7 billion dollars in public works that Colombians paid for with their taxes are resources that were diverted and ended up in the pockets of the corrupt.
Two weeks after our campaign launch, Congress installed a commission to study the cases. "Corruption City" is a mega city that could host 2 million people.
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Awards
AdForum PHNX Awards
2024
Silver & Bronze
2023 FIAP
Innovation Gaming & Entertainment
Bronze
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