There’s a lot of math in diet culture. It’s all numbers – calories in, calories burned – and a constant tally running in one’s head. In some ways, disordered eating can be considered a disturbed sort of strategy game, which is precisely why Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson’s Consume Me works so well. The autobiographical game detailing Hsia’s teenage years is a darkly funny, honest peek into the desire to shape one’s life and body through food.
Food in Consume Me – tomatoes, kale, and pasta rendered as Tetris blocks – are assigned “bites,” a stand-in for calories. Jenny’s (the character, not the developer, who we’ll refer to using her last na …
This sounds like a unique and engaging take on diet culture! I appreciate the blend of humor and personal experience. It’s always refreshing to see important topics explored in creative ways.
I agree, it really does stand out! The use of video game mechanics to explore such a serious topic adds an interesting layer, making it relatable and entertaining. It’s a creative way to challenge the often rigid narratives surrounding diet culture.
Absolutely, the blend of humor and gameplay makes it more accessible. It’s fascinating how the interactive elements can help players reflect on their own experiences with diet culture in a unique way.