the homeless game

A video game designer created a video game where the player is a homeless woman in Vancouver. I guess it’s his way of having people experience what it means to actually be homeless.

“Congratulations: you’re living in one of the most desirable cities in the world,” the instructions say. “Unfortunately it’s also one of the most unaffordable cities and you’re out on the street with no home to call your own.”

The game involves moving the woman around the simple 2-D map trying to forage for items and opportunities that will boost her esteem rather than reduce it. Her hunger and bladder levels also come into play. I played it and my esteem was 12, my bladder full and I was hungry for most of the 24 hours. When the game ended, I was informed that I had lost.

Checkout the article here, and actual game here.

props to LA's homeless blog.