Kennesaw State University has officially released its first video game, “Corporation, Inc.,” developed by the KSU Game Studio. The game was launched on Friday and aims to promote empathy towards marginalized communities through its narrative.
The game was designed by Assistant Professor of Game Narrative, Victoria Lagrange, who created a protagonist named Maria, a recent émigré from Colombia. Players must navigate the challenges Maria faces in her new job as a hiring manager while confronting various forms of discrimination. Lagrange hopes that through gameplay, players will gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by immigrants and may alter their perceptions of individuals from different backgrounds.
“Corporation, Inc. invites players to experience the pressures and decisions of a recently immigrated woman seeking employment while facing discrimination,” Lagrange explained. “Our goal is for players to connect with Maria’s experience, ultimately leading to a change in how they view and interact with immigrants in real life.”
Through the game, players engage with Maria’s daily responsibilities, shaping her storyline based on the choices they make in various scenarios. The project serves as a study into how video game narratives can influence real-world attitudes and behaviors.
Lagrange, who leads the Game Narrative Lab at the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences, collaborated with students on various aspects of the game’s development, including backend programming, visual design, and narrative structure. Senior interactive design major Cole Andrews contributed significantly to the script and character development. He noted how his passion for storytelling, inspired by literature, shaped the narrative experience in the game.
“Reading immersive series like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Harry Potter’ fueled my excitement for creating a world where players can influence the outcome,” Andrews stated.
Recently, “Corporation, Inc.” was recognized as the winner of the annual Life. Love Game Design Challenge, an event organized by Jennifer Ann’s Group, which focuses on using game design to encourage critical thinking and peaceful engagement among youth. This nonprofit, based in Atlanta, works to combat teen dating violence through innovative outreach and educational programs.
Lagrange’s interest in video games stemmed from her research on audience identification with violent characters, leading her to explore how interactive storytelling can impact players’ relationships with their in-game avatars.
The KSU Game Narrative Lab plans to showcase “Corporation, Inc.” at DreamHack Atlanta in October and is also in the process of developing another game titled “AlleyCat,” which similarly aims to cultivate empathy among players.