A New Perspective on Gaming

As a prominent figure in the gaming industry, Hendrik Lesser juggles multiple roles, but his unique blend of responsibilities doesn't always fit together seamlessly. As the CEO of Remote Control Productions, a collective of 15 game companies with over 500 employees, and president of the European Games Developer Federation, Lesser has learned to navigate the complexities of his positions. However, his latest venture, Lesser Evil, takes a bold stance, publishing games with clear political and social messages. The company's website proudly declares its anti-authoritarian, anti-racist, and pro-democracy values, aiming to initiate difficult discussions and raise awareness. Lesser Evil's first game, Death From Above, launched in Early Access, casting players as a Ukrainian drone operator fighting against the Russian invasion. The publisher donates 30% of proceeds to support non-offensive aid to the Ukrainian Armed forces, with plans to increase donations to 70% after breaking even. When asked about the decision to create a game around a tragic event, Lesser points to films and books that have successfully processed horrors, such as Roberto Benigni's Life is Beautiful and Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator. He believes that by finding a way to ridicule and overcome the emotional and spiritual impact of such events, games can help people cope. Lesser acknowledges that not everyone will agree with his approach, but he sees the role of social and political impact games as thought-provoking, rather than pleasing everyone. He criticizes AAA games for embracing political themes only to disavow them later, citing Call of Duty as an example of a franchise that has both succeeded and failed in this regard. Ultimately, Lesser hopes to inspire more people to take a stand and express their convictions, even if they differ from his own, and to create a more honest and impactful gaming industry.