Imagine diving into a video game where the real challenge isn't battling dragons or saving the world—it's just living your daily life with a brain that processes everything a bit differently. That's the heart of Susannah Emery's work, and it's sparking conversations that could change how we all see gaming and empathy. But here's where it gets fascinating: What if games could teach us more about our own minds than any lecture ever could?
Susannah Emery, a talented game designer, creates experiences that shine a light on important social topics through the world of gaming. Her standout creation, Life (Re)Sounding, flips the script on typical video games. Forget epic battles or high-stakes quests; instead, players tackle mundane tasks like a neurodivergent individual might. For those new to the term, neurodivergent people—including those with autism, ADHD, or other neurological variations—often perceive and interact with the world in ways that differ from the majority. This could mean heightened sensitivities to sounds, lights, or social cues, or unique ways of focusing and learning.
Drawing directly from her personal journey as someone who is neurodivergent, Emery's game aims to foster understanding and better support for these individuals. "It's crafted to illustrate that the hurdles we face aren't flaws in us, but rather in how the world is built," she explains. By stepping into these shoes, players gain insight into accommodations that could make everyday life smoother for everyone. And this is the part most people miss—gaming isn't just entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for building compassion and awareness.
Take one level in the game, for example: You're charged with picking up trash in a room. Each piece you throw away makes the lights glow brighter, eventually overwhelming your vision to the point of disorientation. Emery shares her real-life parallel: "I deal with intense sensitivity to light, and if I'm in a place for extended periods, it can turn into a blinding, uncomfortable haze." This mechanic isn't just clever design—it's a relatable window into challenges that might seem invisible to others. By experiencing them firsthand, players might start questioning how we can redesign spaces, workplaces, and even our own attitudes to be more inclusive.
At the University of Adelaide in Australia, Emery focuses on developing games that tackle social issues head-on. These interactive worlds let people engage with experiences that are frequently misunderstood, offering a fresh perspective. "Video games are an incredible medium for this kind of exploration," she notes. In a recent chat with Science News Explores, she opened up about her path, the hurdles in the industry, and her thoughts on emerging tech. (The interview has been polished for clarity and flow.)
Let's rewind to what sparked her journey into this field. Back in her final year of high school, Susannah discovered she could pursue multimedia studies at university, covering everything from interactive media and films to video games. It seemed like a dream path. But a school career advisor warned her it might not suit "a girl," suggesting alternatives instead. At first, she took that to heart. Then, attending an open day, she watched a presentation by the department head—a woman leading the charge. "Seeing her made me realize I could chase this too," Susannah recalls. She dove into her first undergraduate degree in multimedia, proving that a bit of inspiration can shatter outdated barriers.
From there, her story evolved. After graduating, she relocated to a remote community in Australia's Northern Territory, home to the Anangu people, to teach. Many students were disengaged from traditional lessons but adored video games. Susannah brainstormed ways to blend the two. Remembering the Nintendo Wii and its sports titles, she drove over two hours to a secondhand shop to grab a console. That following Monday, she hid the game's scoreboard with paper and had kids track scores on a whiteboard instead. Attendance soared! This success ignited her passion, leading to an honors degree exploring the link between games and education. She even co-created a game melding Indigenous knowledge with the Australian curriculum. Loving the process, she pursued a Ph.D., researching how games can highlight issues like domestic violence.
Speaking of challenges, what hurdles do women and nonbinary folks encounter in gaming? While Australia's gamers are roughly 50-50 male and female, with nonbinary players in the mix, the developers tell a different story. A recent report revealed only 22% of game creators identify as female. "This imbalance is a real issue we must address," Susannah emphasizes. "The industry should mirror its audience, ensuring everyone sees reflections of themselves in the games." But here's where it gets controversial: Is this disparity just a pipeline problem, or does it stem from deeper cultural biases that discourage diverse voices? Some argue for more inclusive hiring, while others point to personal passion overriding gender norms. What do you think—should we push harder for quotas, or let talent speak for itself?
Now, onto the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) in game design. Susannah sees AI as a game-changer for bringing concepts to reality quickly and efficiently. It excels at generating ideas and automating tasks, like coding complex mechanics. Yet, she warns that truly captivating games revolve around authentic human narratives—our unique stories, shaped by lived experiences, dreams, and relationships. "AI can assist in unlocking those," she says, "but when it takes the driver's seat, games lose their soul, becoming bland copies of what's already out there." For instance, imagine an AI-generated maze game that's technically perfect but lacks the emotional depth of a designer pouring in personal heartbreak or triumph. And this is the part that might divide opinions: While AI can "code like a pro," it hasn't walked in your shoes, attended school with you, or shared laughs with your friends. Does that make AI creations inherently less valuable, or could they evolve to capture human essence? I'd love to hear your take—do you believe AI will enhance creativity or overshadow it?
For aspiring game designers, Susannah's advice is straightforward: Dive in and start creating! You don't need fancy tools—sketch ideas on paper, mimicking tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, or use free platforms like Scratch or Twine. Collaborate with pals, playtest relentlessly, and iterate. Game development is all about trial and error: Brainstorm, test, tweak, repeat. It might take years and hundreds of refinements, but remember, there's no "failure" in gaming—just a restart, like Mario bouncing back after a fall. Embrace the process, and who knows? Your next idea could change the world.
As we wrap up, ponder this: In a world where games are increasingly personal and AI looms large, how can we ensure they remain spaces for authentic voices and diverse perspectives? Do you agree that neurodivergent experiences deserve more spotlight, or that AI's role should expand? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
