Gaming for Good: Activists Simulate ICE Raids in GTA & Fortnite to Educate on Immigrant Rights
By Skye Jacobs
Published on November 22, 2025| Vol. 1, Issue No. 1
Content Source
This is a curated briefing. The original article was published on TechSpot.
Summary
The New Save Collective, a group of 13 activists and organizers with immigrant backgrounds, is leveraging popular video games like Grand Theft Auto V and Fortnite for digital activism. They are utilizing role-play modifications within these games to simulate real-life immigration enforcement situations, specifically ICE raids, with the goal of educating individuals on immigrant rights.
Why It Matters
This development signifies a profound evolution in the landscape of digital activism, extending beyond traditional online forums into the immersive, AI-powered worlds of mainstream gaming. For professionals in the AI space, this is crucial because it highlights the expanding societal implications and ethical considerations for the virtual platforms we build and manage. AI underpins much of the dynamic content, NPC behavior, and user interactions within these games, making these platforms highly adaptable and potent for unexpected uses.
Firstly, it demonstrates how AI-driven simulation capabilities, often designed for entertainment or professional training, can be repurposed for grassroots social education and advocacy. This challenges AI developers and platform owners to consider the full spectrum of potential applications for their technologies, including sensitive social issues. Secondly, it raises critical questions around content moderation and platform responsibility in AI-powered virtual environments. As these spaces become more central to civic engagement, the ethical governance of user-generated content and the potential for both beneficial and harmful simulations become paramount. Lastly, it offers a glimpse into the future of the metaverse and immersive virtual worlds; they will not merely be spaces for commerce or entertainment but will emerge as new public squares for social movements, political discourse, and educational initiatives. AI professionals must therefore anticipate and proactively address the socio-political responsibilities inherent in architecting these powerful digital ecosystems, ensuring their designs account for diverse human experiences and potential for impactful social change, rather than simply focusing on technical capabilities.