A Canadian video game, Asses.Masses, has been transformed into an immersive experience by being played with a live audience in a theatre. The game's creators, Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim, have crafted a thought-provoking journey about collective action, industrialisation, and labour politics, with players working together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges.
The game opens with a series of questions, mostly about donkeys, some in different languages, and requires collaboration among the audience to get them right. As the game progresses, players must navigate surreal landscapes, interact with each other, and make collective decisions that impact the game world.
Asses.Masses is more than just a video game – it's a performance art piece that combines the best of both worlds. The live audience adds a dynamic element, making the experience feel more engaging and interactive than playing alone. Players can share ideas, provide advice, and learn from each other, creating a unique bond with fellow participants.
The game's success lies in its ability to spark conversation, debate, and laughter among players. It tackles mature themes like violence, strong language, and simulated sex in a way that is both thought-provoking and humorous. The game's content warnings give an idea of what to expect, but the overall tone is more satirical than serious.
Asses.Masses is not just a game; it's an event that encourages collaboration, creativity, and empathy among players. Its designers have created something special – a true endurance test that pushes participants out of their comfort zones and invites them to share in the experience.
The game has sparked discussions about the role of video games in performance art and the potential for collective play to create new forms of entertainment. It's an exciting development that highlights the power of gaming as a medium for storytelling, social interaction, and community-building.
If you're looking for more experiences like Asses.Masses, consider checking out other thought-provoking games and interactive events. The Guardian has recommended two spooky but not too scary games to play during Halloween week: The Séance of Blake Manor and Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival.
As always, readers can submit questions and comments to the newsletter by hitting reply or emailing [email protected].
The game opens with a series of questions, mostly about donkeys, some in different languages, and requires collaboration among the audience to get them right. As the game progresses, players must navigate surreal landscapes, interact with each other, and make collective decisions that impact the game world.
Asses.Masses is more than just a video game – it's a performance art piece that combines the best of both worlds. The live audience adds a dynamic element, making the experience feel more engaging and interactive than playing alone. Players can share ideas, provide advice, and learn from each other, creating a unique bond with fellow participants.
The game's success lies in its ability to spark conversation, debate, and laughter among players. It tackles mature themes like violence, strong language, and simulated sex in a way that is both thought-provoking and humorous. The game's content warnings give an idea of what to expect, but the overall tone is more satirical than serious.
Asses.Masses is not just a game; it's an event that encourages collaboration, creativity, and empathy among players. Its designers have created something special – a true endurance test that pushes participants out of their comfort zones and invites them to share in the experience.
The game has sparked discussions about the role of video games in performance art and the potential for collective play to create new forms of entertainment. It's an exciting development that highlights the power of gaming as a medium for storytelling, social interaction, and community-building.
If you're looking for more experiences like Asses.Masses, consider checking out other thought-provoking games and interactive events. The Guardian has recommended two spooky but not too scary games to play during Halloween week: The Séance of Blake Manor and Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival.
As always, readers can submit questions and comments to the newsletter by hitting reply or emailing [email protected].
it's like a masterclass in how to make video games feel immersive and engaging without just relying on fancy graphics and sound effects. I love how it combines puzzles, debate, and laughter – it's not your average gaming experience 
. The fact that it encourages collaboration and empathy is really refreshing, too. It's almost like playing a game with friends, but in a weird, surreal way 
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I played this Asses.Masses game with friends and it was honestly mind-blowing! I mean, who would've thought a video game could be so... human? 
I loved how it made me laugh, think about my own life choices (donkeys, really?), and even feel a bit uncomfortable at times – in a good way! 
But what really struck me was how much fun we had together as a group. It's not just a game; it's an experience that leaves you feeling connected to others... and maybe even a little bit changed 
The way they incorporated puzzles & challenges that require collaboration was SO smart 
I loved how it tackled mature themes in a satirical way, it was hilarious 
We should totes make an event out of it w/ snacks & drinks 
. And the surreal landscapes? Mind-blowing! 
. I'm all about trying new things, and this is a total game-changer 
(sorry, had to!). I'm definitely going to check out more interactive events like this... my gamer squad and I will have so much fun! 
. The use of a live audience adds a whole new level of excitement and energy to the game, making it feel more like an event than just playing alone 
. Who needs a live audience and collaboration to play a game? Can't we just play alone with a controller like normal people do? And what's with all the "surreal landscapes" and "collective decisions"? Sounds like a bunch of hippie nonsense 
. I mean, if you're looking for a good time, just stick to playing Fortnite or something, you know, actual gaming 
! The stats on player engagement are insane - 85% of players reported feeling a sense of community and belonging during the experience 
. And have you seen the charts on collaboration? 
Players worked together to solve puzzles with a success rate of 72%! It's clear that this game is more than just a game, it's an immersive experience 
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The audience is literally part of the show 
. And let's talk about the themes - 71% of players reported feeling more empathetic towards others after playing Asses.Masses 
. It's like the game is breaking down barriers and bringing people together 
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. The stats on laughter are through the roof - 95% of players reported laughing during at least one moment in the game 
. I mean, it's not just about beating the game, it's about being part of something bigger than yourself. And that's where things start to get interesting - what happens when someone doesn't want to play along? Does it bring the whole experience crashing down 
! I'm definitely curious to try it out, not just for the game itself but also to see what kind of conversations it sparks. Kudos to the designers for creating something so unique and thought-provoking