Championing Social Change in Gaming

As a multifaceted figure in the gaming industry, Hendrik Lesser navigates various roles, including CEO of Remote Control Productions and president of the European Games Developer Federation. However, it's his indie publishing venture, Lesser Evil, that truly embodies his passion for creating games with a clear social and political message. The company's mission is to publish titles that initiate difficult discussions, raise awareness, and take a stand on pressing issues. Lesser Evil's first game, Death From Above, is a prime example, as it tackles the sensitive topic of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. By donating a significant portion of the game's proceeds to supporting non-offensive aid to the Ukrainian Armed forces, Lesser aims to make a positive impact while maintaining the publisher's sustainability. This approach reflects his lifelong commitment to political activism, which was shaped by his family's volunteer work and his involvement in organizations like Amnesty International. Lesser acknowledges that taking a public stance on sensitive issues can be challenging, particularly in the gaming industry, where companies often strive to avoid alienating their customer base. Nevertheless, he believes that games can be a powerful medium for sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring social change. When asked about the potential risks of trivializing sensitive topics, Lesser cites examples from film and literature that have successfully balanced entertainment with thought-provoking commentary. He emphasizes that the goal of social and political impact games is not to please everyone but to provoke thought, encourage discussion, and inspire individuals to formulate their own opinions. Ultimately, Lesser hopes to see more people in the gaming industry take a stand on the issues they care about, expressing themselves honestly and authentically through their work.