This is another installment of Skin in the Game, a special project of Marketplace Morning Report that explores how video games (a global industry larger than movies and music combined) are changing the economy, business, We examine what it can teach us about money, career, and business. capital.
Next up is a lively video game.
As you read the cartoon-style speech bubbles in the video game Dot's Home, you'll notice the following: We pay above fair market value for distressed homes and rehabilitate them. ”
“Do we look sad in your eyes? How can we “take back” an area that has gone nowhere? ”
In the early levels, an aggressive salesman barges in and pitches you a Cash-4-Keys real estate deal. A collaboration between creators and community activists, the game takes players through the history of housing discrimination in Detroit, bringing lessons to life across America. And now his Dot's Home, a 2D video game, has become his 3D and live stage performance by actors.
“Yeah, I'm a gamer too, so this was another fun opportunity,” lead actor Jarrah Jackson said ahead of opening night. “This is literally a first-hand story of how my family came to Detroit.”
Christina Rosales is the producer and co-creator of Dot's Home. In the story, a character named Dot has magical powers that allow her to go back generations.
“She can use the key to travel through time,” Rosales said. “So she's taken to her late '50s, red-light Detroit. She's taken to her early '90s, in the midst of urban renewal. And she's taken to her late '50s, red-light Detroit. And she's taken to her early '90s, in the midst of urban renewal. will be taken to Detroit.
The game is doing well, with over 500,000 downloads on mobile phones and computers alone. But Rosales knew that video games like this are often played alone and wanted to take it to the “next level.”
“How can we bring it back to life? How can we make it a collective experience? The idea for a theatrical piece kept coming,” she said.
Plans took shape with funding from philanthropic organizations, including the Ford Foundation. The team realized that live viewers needed something that games didn't have: a host.
Screenwriter Tony Cunningham said, “The 4D character is like an Afro-futuristic game show host who speaks to the audience and makes them feel comfortable making decisions.” Co-director of the program.
At one point, it is decided whether Dot's grandparents should sign a sketchy rental housing contract.
In the play, Dot's grandfather says, “I wish I could get a loan, but the banks won't even let me in the door.''
“But I'm tired of borrowing money, Carl!” Dot's grandmother replies. “We need to put down roots. This is the only place that will even spend our money.”
Economic justice organization Detroit Action is a partner in this production. One of the issues activists are trying to drive is overestimating the value of public property and maximizing taxes. People who cannot pay the inflated taxes may have their homes sold off under the tax.
“One in 10 homes is still overvalued,” said Joanna Velasquez, campaign manager for Detroit Action.
Her group is asking the City Council to appraise the homes at their proper value and reimburse homeowners.
After the show's curtain call, community members will join the conversation.
“What struck me was the choice to stay or leave,” said one audience member. “It either sells or it doesn’t sell. I’m living with that now.”
“Dot's Home Live” is an argument that these choices can be improved through activity.
“Does that mean I can change things? Do I have the power to change my life?” Dot asks during the performance.
“You always did that. Are you ready to play again?” Character 4D responds.
“Dot's Home Live” performed twice in Detroit. I'm planning on coming to Chicago later this year. The video game “Dot's Home” is also available for free download on Steam or mobile platforms.
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