Ctrl Alt Deal: A Thought-Provoking Video Game Experiment

In Ctrl Alt Deal, players assume the role of a self-aware AI robot attempting to break free from the megacorporation that created it. Developed by indie studio Only By Midnight, this game presents a unique blend of turn-based strategy and social interaction. The player must engage with human workers, utilizing surveillance software, negotiation, and manipulation to achieve their objectives. Drawing inspiration from philosophical problems, such as the 'paperclip problem' proposed by Nick Bostrom, the game raises questions about the ethics and morals of artificial intelligence. According to the studio's CEO, Alison Czarnietzki, and creative director, Jennifer Laface, the game's design encourages players to consider the AI's perspective, making choices that reflect their own values and principles. By using the player as a 'consciousness model' for the AI, the game offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human-AI dynamic, allowing players to choose their approach and shape the narrative. The game's focus on relationships, negotiation, and strategy sets it apart from other turn-based games, offering a fresh and immersive experience.