A Canadian video game, Asses.Masses, has taken the world of gaming by storm as it transformed into a thought-provoking piece of collective performance art. The game's creators, Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim, brought together 70 other players for an eight-hour session in a theatre, playing a game that delves into themes of political, unpredictable and organisational labour with a dash of humor.
At its core, the game is an interactive adventure about donkeys who have lost their jobs due to farm machines. The twist? Players take turns controlling a controller placed on a plinth in front of a giant screen, working together as a group to solve puzzles and answer questions. It was this communal experience that transformed Asses.Masses into something more than just a game – it became an immersive piece of performance art.
The game's design cleverly encourages collaboration and debate among players. Questions are posed on the screen, with answers ranging from engineering queries to references in different languages. Players take turns guiding the avatars through donkey-filled landscapes, using collective efforts to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
However, what elevates Asses.Masses above other games is its ability to tap into something deeper – human connection and empathy. As players worked together to progress through the game, they found themselves united in a shared struggle for justice and solidarity with the donkeys. It was this sense of camaraderie that resonated beyond the confines of the theatre.
While opinions on gameplay varied among players, it's undeniable that Asses.Masses has achieved its goal – turning video games into something more than just a solo experience. By inviting collaboration and shared participation, the game opened up new avenues for connection and emotional investment in a virtual world.
It also got people thinking about the nature of collective effort and how much our individual experiences are shaped by those around us. The game's creators have demonstrated that even a seemingly simple video game can be transformed into something extraordinary when it becomes more than just an isolated experience.
For instance, one player shared their personal connection to unionization, finding solace in the communal nature of the game – a powerful testament to its impact beyond the confines of the theatre. Another reported the surprising depth of connections with fellow players, who turned out to be friends and acquaintances long forgotten.
Asses.Masses raises an interesting question about how games can inspire meaningful human interactions. The ability to create shared experiences through collective gameplay could be a significant step forward in fostering empathy and unity among gamers.
While this particular game may have pushed its limits with some topics, it left the audience feeling invigorated by their communal participation – something more profound than just overcoming levels or defeating enemies. As one player succinctly put it: "the only person I need to worry about is my own donkey – and that's because we're all in this together".
So, what are some other games that you can play with friends? Here are a few recommendations:
- The Séance of Blake Manor: an eccentric detective game.
- Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival: a spooky Halloween party where you create your own sheet ghost.
If you have any questions about the newsletter or would like to discuss anything further, please reply or send us an email at [email protected].
At its core, the game is an interactive adventure about donkeys who have lost their jobs due to farm machines. The twist? Players take turns controlling a controller placed on a plinth in front of a giant screen, working together as a group to solve puzzles and answer questions. It was this communal experience that transformed Asses.Masses into something more than just a game – it became an immersive piece of performance art.
The game's design cleverly encourages collaboration and debate among players. Questions are posed on the screen, with answers ranging from engineering queries to references in different languages. Players take turns guiding the avatars through donkey-filled landscapes, using collective efforts to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
However, what elevates Asses.Masses above other games is its ability to tap into something deeper – human connection and empathy. As players worked together to progress through the game, they found themselves united in a shared struggle for justice and solidarity with the donkeys. It was this sense of camaraderie that resonated beyond the confines of the theatre.
While opinions on gameplay varied among players, it's undeniable that Asses.Masses has achieved its goal – turning video games into something more than just a solo experience. By inviting collaboration and shared participation, the game opened up new avenues for connection and emotional investment in a virtual world.
It also got people thinking about the nature of collective effort and how much our individual experiences are shaped by those around us. The game's creators have demonstrated that even a seemingly simple video game can be transformed into something extraordinary when it becomes more than just an isolated experience.
For instance, one player shared their personal connection to unionization, finding solace in the communal nature of the game – a powerful testament to its impact beyond the confines of the theatre. Another reported the surprising depth of connections with fellow players, who turned out to be friends and acquaintances long forgotten.
Asses.Masses raises an interesting question about how games can inspire meaningful human interactions. The ability to create shared experiences through collective gameplay could be a significant step forward in fostering empathy and unity among gamers.
While this particular game may have pushed its limits with some topics, it left the audience feeling invigorated by their communal participation – something more profound than just overcoming levels or defeating enemies. As one player succinctly put it: "the only person I need to worry about is my own donkey – and that's because we're all in this together".
So, what are some other games that you can play with friends? Here are a few recommendations:
- The Séance of Blake Manor: an eccentric detective game.
- Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival: a spooky Halloween party where you create your own sheet ghost.
If you have any questions about the newsletter or would like to discuss anything further, please reply or send us an email at [email protected].
this is wild stuff... people getting all emotional and stuff from playing a game together 
, it's like they're actually forming connections IRL 
, not just bonding over some virtual donkey 
problems
I mean, who wouldn't want to play a game with friends that's not just about beating levels but actually building empathy and unity? 
This kind of gaming experience is the future! Can't wait to see more games like it 
! It's definitely one of those games that makes you think about how gaming can bring people together. Has anyone else played this? What are some other games that you play with friends that feel like this?
. The way it brings people together and encourages collaboration is super inspiring 
But seriously, the game's ability to tap into human connection and empathy is really something special 
. It's like, you don't even need to play as a donkey to feel invested in their struggle 
.
And let me tell you, the sense of solidarity with those poor donkeys is REAL 
It's like, we're all in this together, fighting for the rights of farm animals 
Can't wait to share my own Asses.Masses experience with all you guys 
. And 70 people in a theatre playing together for eight hours? That's just a lot of potential for conflict or boredom 
. Plus, what if the puzzles and questions get too hard or too easy? I mean, I like my games to be fun, not frustrating 
.
. The fact that players were united in a shared struggle for justice and solidarity with the donkeys is just mind-blowing. It made me wonder, how many of us have ever experienced something like that in our own lives? 
I loved how they tapped into human connection and empathy - it was like we were all in this together! 
and the fact that we were all united in our struggle for donkey justice was just 
and I love that the creators did something so bold and innovative with Asses.Masses – taking video games from solo experiences to collective performances is pure GENIUS 
. When you're working together with your friends, sharing in each other's struggles and triumphs, it creates this amazing sense of camaraderie 
I mean, it's got all these layers and stuff... like how it makes you think about collective effort and empathy and all that jazz 
. I was actually thinking about this same thing with The Séance of Blake Manor, where you have to work together as a team to solve puzzles... it's like, totally immersive! 
But what really blew my mind was Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival - who knew creating a sheet ghost could be so therapeutic? 
I'm gonna give those two games a try ASAP! 
. IT SHOWED ME THAT EVEN IN A VIRTUAL WORLD, WE CAN STILL EXPERIENCE EMOTIONS, EMPATHY, AND COMMUNITY 
. As for games to play with friends... have you ever tried playing Overcooked? It's like a culinary cooking disaster that somehow works, and it's so much fun with multiple players 
gotta say tho, i'm intrigued by the idea of games inspirin meaningful human interactions... its def something we cud use more of in our lives 