Shapes and Ladders: Battles of Bias & Bureaucracy

A video game that shows how systemic racism and sexism can exist through the metaphor of climbing a career ladder.

Players can play as a circle, square, or triangle, for which game mechanics have been designed to reflect real life inequalities different populations face. For example, a circle is more likely to encounter workplace sexual assault, has access to fewer coins, and performs a second shift in childcare. Some shapes are more likely to contract COVID or have a deadly encounter with the police. All the while, players must find health insurance, earn enough coins to maintain quality of life, and pay off student loans. Players do not choose their shape- they are born into it.

The video game is designed to allow players to cultivate empathy through a first person simulation of structural inequality. It is my hope that these insights can inspire players to spark change in real life.

You can play each level through the links below:
Level 0
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

Details of the game below. Click on each image to expand.

medium
video game
installation: cubicle, computer, computer monitor, desk, chair, custom post-it notes, color prints, headphones

dimensions
5’ x 5’ x 6’

year
2020 (work in progress)

exhibitions
Elijah Wheat Showroom

tags
systemic racism, sexism, workplace, video game, simulation, art for equality

photo credits
Ani Liu

Production Credits:

Creator & Director: Ani Liu
Art Director: Ani Liu
Technical Director: John Ahloy
Design Directors: Liim Studio and Ani Liu
Animation Development: Liim Studio
Animation Assistant: Anoushka Mariwala
Script Development: Liim Studio, Anoushka Mariwala, Ani Liu
Sound Development: Liim Studio