Anima Interactive's forthcoming game Take Us North aims to capture the lived experiences of those trying to cross the US-Mexico border. The game's developer, Karla Reyes, has visited the border twice to interview migrants and humanitarians, and conducts monthly remote interviews with migrants from various countries.

The game puts players in the shoes of a migrant guide, known as a coyote or guía, and translates the typical border journey into a narrative video game experience. Reyes hopes the game will help correct misconceptions about migrants, such as the idea that they leave their homes solely for economic opportunity.

The Development Process

Reyes and her team are working with academics, grassroots organizations, migrant shelters, and activists to ensure the game stays grounded in reality. The game is split into night and day cycles, where the danger of the journey melts into campfire talk at night and exchanging stories with other travelers.

The team is also trying to challenge the status quo of the video games industry by using the medium for good and social impact. Reyes believes that games can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering empathy, and hopes that Take Us North will make a positive impact.

The Importance of the Game

Migrants face increasingly dangerous conditions, including imprisonment and deportation. The game aims to raise awareness about these issues and challenge the divisive rhetoric surrounding migration. By sharing the individual stories and complexities of migrants' experiences, the game hopes to humanize the issue and encourage players to think critically about the challenges faced by migrants.