Empowering Narratives: How Kennesaw State's Gaming Studio Fosters Empathy Through Interactive ExperiencesKennesaw State University has made a significant stride in the world of interactive entertainment with the release of its first game, "Corporation, Inc.," designed to promote empathy and understanding for marginalized communities. Led by Assistant Professor of Game Narrative Victoria Lagrange, the game's narrative-driven approach aims to challenge players' perceptions and inspire meaningful change.

A Transformative Gaming Experience

Embodying the Immigrant Experience

"Corporation, Inc." follows the journey of Maria, a recently emigrated woman from Colombia who navigates the challenges of starting a new job as a hiring manager. Through interactive prompts and daily tasks, players are immersed in Maria's world, experiencing firsthand the discrimination and pressure she faces. Lagrange's goal is to create an empathetic connection between the player and the protagonist, allowing them to better understand the lived experiences of marginalized individuals.

Crafting Meaningful Narratives

The game's narrative was meticulously crafted by Lagrange and a team of students from the university's Game Narrative Lab. Drawing inspiration from beloved literary works, the team aimed to create an engaging and impactful interactive experience. Cole Andrews, a senior interactive design major, shared his insights, noting that his passion for immersive storytelling fueled his contributions to the narrative development.

Fostering Empathy and Change

Lagrange's research explores the potential of video games to influence human behavior and foster empathy. She cites her own experiences with games like "Beyond Two Souls" as a catalyst for her mission, observing how interactive narratives can shift perspectives and inspire real-world change. With "Corporation, Inc.," Lagrange hopes to demonstrate the power of gaming to promote understanding and disrupt the status quo.

Recognizing Innovative Design

The game's impact has already been recognized, as "Corporation, Inc." recently won the annual Life. Love Game Design Challenge, a prestigious competition that showcases the power of intentional game design to foster critical thinking and nonviolent engagement. This achievement underscores the game's potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its players.

Expanding the Narrative Landscape

The Game Narrative Lab at Kennesaw State is not resting on its laurels, as the team is already developing a new game titled "AlleyCat," which aims to further explore the boundaries of empathy-driven gaming experiences. By continuously pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, Lagrange and her team are paving the way for a future where video games are not merely entertainment, but powerful tools for social change and personal growth.In a world where empathy and understanding are increasingly vital, Kennesaw State's "Corporation, Inc." stands as a shining example of how the gaming industry can be harnessed to foster positive change. Through its immersive narrative and innovative design, the game invites players to step into the shoes of the marginalized, ultimately inspiring them to cultivate a more compassionate and inclusive society.