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For many Asians, increased xenophobia and the rise of hate crimes during 2020, and now until 2021, have added additional stress and trauma to daily life. In a well-known story now, Chanhee Choi, A South Korean student at the University of Washington, was a racist assailant in central Seattle, questioning the Chinese and the coronavirus. Then he decided to do something he could do alone to raise awareness.
He decided to make a game out of it.
“It was around the start of the pandemic, in 2020,” Choi said. “I was walking down the street in downtown Seattle. For the moment I went back on a trip home to see my family. There, everyone wore costumes, but no one here did. I was the only one who wore masks, as I had just arrived from South Korea, so I was worried about being with others if it was possible to get coronaviruses. I was protecting myself, but I didn’t expect anyone to judge me or have a problem, or think I’m sick of wearing a mask. Suddenly, a guy started yelling at me, ‘Are you Chinese?’ You brought the coronavirus. ‘ He raised his fist to my face. I looked around for help and everyone left, just as they didn’t want to see me. I felt like I was the only Asian in the city, even though Seattle has so many. I was alone, knowing what he was doing to me. I had never felt such fear in the United States. Since that happened, I don’t go to the city alone now. It was at this time that I noticed that every time Trump appeared on the news he mentioned the Chinese virus. But why did that happen to me? That was my first question. It really affected me. I wanted to share this kind of feeling and sadness so that others could try to understand my experience. “
Choi then decided to use his skills in digital arts and experimental media, the main one being to incorporate his experiences. into a game. “I am a disciplined artist. I did 3D animations as well as video games, ”Choi said. “I’ve learned a lot, for example, how brain sensors and mechatronics can work to get into the digital world. Yes, yes, that’s where I came up with the idea. Pandemic, Using Unity and Maya 3D “.
For starters, Choi created a 3D avatar of the Covid-19 molecule, which players are forced to play to represent the dehumanizing racism of pairing Asian people with the virus. At different levels, the landscape — and the enemies — become more and more aggressive and disturbing. Some of these scenes feature TV screens that report real hate crimes to the player. To provide players with some agents against the way their enemies attack them, earlier in the game Choi Choi offers familiar and humorous elements to fight.
“The main character is a virus molecule that explores the world. They try to attack some people, ”Choi explained. “I did some of the player’s functions so I could pick up toilet paper and hand washes to throw back at the attackers. I know it’s silly, but remember: toilet paper was like gold in the beginning.”
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