Imagine a world where video games do more than just entertain; they educate and foster understanding. This is exactly what game designer Susannah Emery aims to achieve through her work, particularly in her innovative game, Life (Re)Sounding. In this unique gaming experience, players won't encounter battles against aliens or mythical beasts. Instead, they will learn to navigate daily challenges through the eyes of someone who is neurodivergent—a term that refers to individuals whose brain functions differ from what's considered typical, affecting how they learn and perceive their surroundings.
Emery's game is deeply rooted in her personal journey as a neurodivergent individual. Her goal is to illuminate the obstacles faced by neurodivergent people and to advocate for a world that accommodates their needs. As she puts it, "The game is designed to demonstrate that the difficulties we experience often stem from societal structures rather than personal shortcomings."
One particularly striking level of the game involves cleaning up litter in a room. Each time players toss trash into a bin, the lights become increasingly bright—only to eventually reach a blinding intensity that hampers visibility. "I struggle with light sensitivity," Emery explains. "It can turn into an overwhelming white glare if I stay in a place for too long." This gameplay mechanic serves as a powerful metaphor for the sensory overload that many neurodivergent individuals experience daily.
At the University of Adelaide in Australia, Emery focuses on crafting games that highlight critical social issues. She believes that gaming serves as a potent medium for engaging with everyday experiences that often go misunderstood. "Games offer an interactive way to foster empathy and awareness," she asserts. In an enlightening conversation with Science News Explores, she shares her insights and experiences, which have been edited for clarity and readability.
What inspired you to pursue a career in game design?
Emery's journey began during her final year of high school when she learned about university programs in multimedia. This field encompassed interactive media, film, television, and video games—subjects she found incredibly appealing. However, a career counselor at her school suggested that pursuing this path might not be suitable for a girl, encouraging her to consider alternative options.
Initially, Emery felt disheartened by this advice. However, everything changed during an open day at a potential university. She attended a presentation about the multimedia program led by a female department head. "Seeing her made me realize that I could also follow this path," Emery recalls. This pivotal moment fueled her decision to study multimedia for her undergraduate degree.
How did you arrive at your current position?
After completing her undergraduate studies in multimedia, Emery took a teaching position in a remote community inhabited by the Anangu people in Australia's Northern Territory. There, she encountered a challenge: many of her students were disengaged and reluctant to attend school. They did, however, have a strong interest in video games, which sparked an idea in Emery.
She was inspired by the Nintendo Wii and its game Wii Sports. Driving two and a half hours to a secondhand store, she purchased the console and set it up for her class. To shift the focus away from competitive scoring, she covered the game's scoreboard and had students track their performance on a whiteboard. This approach transformed the classroom atmosphere, leading to a remarkable increase in attendance.
Witnessing firsthand the impact of video games on her students' engagement deepened Emery’s passion for merging education with gaming. Subsequently, she pursued an honors degree investigating the relationship between gaming and education. Collaborating with her community, she co-designed a game that integrated First Nations knowledge with the Australian curriculum. Her fascination with this intersection led her to enroll in a Ph.D. program focused on using games to raise awareness about domestic violence.
What obstacles do women and nonbinary individuals face in the gaming industry?
In Australia, the demographic of gamers is fairly balanced, with male and female players participating equally, alongside a growing number of nonbinary gamers. Yet, this equality does not extend to game developers. A recent report revealed that only 22 percent of game developers in Australia identify as female. Emery emphasizes that this discrepancy must be addressed, as the creators of games should reflect the diversity of the players. "Representation matters; it allows individuals to see themselves in the stories we tell through games."
How does artificial intelligence (AI) influence your work?
Emery views AI as a powerful tool capable of enhancing creativity and bringing ideas to fruition. However, she argues that the heart of engaging games lies in telling human stories—narratives shaped by our unique experiences, dreams, and histories. While AI can assist in the creative process, reliance on it as the primary creator risks stripping games of their emotional depth. "If AI is solely responsible for game creation, the result will lack the rich storytelling that resonates with players. Games generated by AI would merely mimic existing concepts, which I find uninspiring and unoriginal."
AI may excel at coding, but as Emery points out, it cannot replicate the nuances of human experience. It hasn't attended school, visited various places, or formed friendships. These elements are crucial in creating relatable and impactful content.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to enter the gaming industry?
Emery encourages newcomers to dive into game development, starting with simple projects. Whether it's crafting tabletop games reminiscent of Dungeons and Dragons or utilizing free game engines like Scratch and Twine, the key is to experiment and play. "Making games is all about practice and iteration. You'll create an idea, test it, identify areas for improvement, and refine it until it feels right. This process, known as 'play testing,' is fundamental to game development."
Creating a game can be a lengthy endeavor, often involving hundreds or even thousands of iterations to achieve the desired outcome. Emery reminds aspiring developers that there is no failure in gaming—only opportunities to restart and try again. Just like Mario respawning after a fall, each setback is simply a chance to learn and improve.
What do you think? Do you agree with Emery's perspective on representation in gaming? How do you feel about the role of AI in creative industries? Share your thoughts in the comments!
