Activists are harnessing the power of online gaming to educate players about their rights when dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The "New Save Collective" has been using games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto to prepare gamers for real-world ICE raids.
The group, comprised of a dozen activists and organizers, aims to create a community that promotes kindness, authenticity, and social good. They believe that by engaging with players in these virtual spaces, they can raise awareness about xenophobia, racism, and the importance of human rights.
During one session, SteveTheGamer55, a YouTube streamer with 4.6 million subscribers, role-played an ICE raid on his character's job. The event was live-streamed to educate viewers about what it might be like to encounter ICE agents in real life. Players took on different roles, including masked ICE agents and bystanders who demanded the release of a fictional individual.
To further their mission, New Save Collective is planning a closed scavenger hunt in Fortnite on November 21, where players will have to navigate through the game's virtual world while learning about community building and speaking out against xenophobia online. The event is aimed at educating gamers across different platforms about their rights as citizens, non-citizens, documented or undocumented immigrants.
The group's approach is a departure from previous gaming events that have been co-opted by extremist ideologies. New Save Collective sees the potential of online gaming to bring people together and promote positive change, rather than perpetuating hate speech and division.
As one organizer noted, "Games like Halo or first-person shooters already have built-in messaging around 'protect the homeland.' We want to make sure that our message is showing up in those same places – maybe you're not an immigrant, but someone in your life, in your community definitely is."
By leveraging online gaming platforms, New Save Collective aims to shift the public discourse around immigration and human rights. Their efforts demonstrate that even in the most unlikely of spaces, social activism can thrive and inspire positive change.
The group, comprised of a dozen activists and organizers, aims to create a community that promotes kindness, authenticity, and social good. They believe that by engaging with players in these virtual spaces, they can raise awareness about xenophobia, racism, and the importance of human rights.
During one session, SteveTheGamer55, a YouTube streamer with 4.6 million subscribers, role-played an ICE raid on his character's job. The event was live-streamed to educate viewers about what it might be like to encounter ICE agents in real life. Players took on different roles, including masked ICE agents and bystanders who demanded the release of a fictional individual.
To further their mission, New Save Collective is planning a closed scavenger hunt in Fortnite on November 21, where players will have to navigate through the game's virtual world while learning about community building and speaking out against xenophobia online. The event is aimed at educating gamers across different platforms about their rights as citizens, non-citizens, documented or undocumented immigrants.
The group's approach is a departure from previous gaming events that have been co-opted by extremist ideologies. New Save Collective sees the potential of online gaming to bring people together and promote positive change, rather than perpetuating hate speech and division.
As one organizer noted, "Games like Halo or first-person shooters already have built-in messaging around 'protect the homeland.' We want to make sure that our message is showing up in those same places – maybe you're not an immigrant, but someone in your life, in your community definitely is."
By leveraging online gaming platforms, New Save Collective aims to shift the public discourse around immigration and human rights. Their efforts demonstrate that even in the most unlikely of spaces, social activism can thrive and inspire positive change.
... like, who knew gaming could be a legit platform for teaching people about human rights? The way they're using Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto to recreate ICE raids is so genius - it's already happening in real life, why not in-game too?! 
I mean, can you imagine playing Halo or something and suddenly the game just becomes this deep commentary on patriotism vs xenophobia? That's some next-level stuff right there. And what I love about New Save Collective is that they're trying to shift the conversation away from hate speech and towards community building and promoting kindness online. It's time for gamers to take ownership of their platforms and use them for good 
. Don't get me wrong, it's great that people are using gaming to raise awareness about important issues like xenophobia and human rights, but can't we just have a little bit of light-heartedness in our games too? 
.
lets just focus on spreading some love and positivity online, rather than drama or negativity 
i mean, who would've thought that fortnite could be used to educate ppl about human rights? 
but seriously, i think this is a great idea. we should all be more aware of our surroundings and how our actions can affect others.
where rebels use virtual reality to fight against oppression, but instead of bullets and guns, they're wielding facts and empathy
. It's so cool to see a group like New Save Collective taking a different approach to spreading awareness – instead of preaching, they're role-playing scenarios and encouraging kindness, authenticity, and social good 
. And who knew that SteveTheGamer55's YouTube streams could be used for something so meaningful? 
. It's not just about gaming, but about creating a platform for people to come together and have meaningful conversations about social justice.
and i love how they r using popular streamers 2 spread the word 
steve the gamer 55 is literally my guy now 
. Plus, the fact that they're targeting gamers who already have big followings is genius... imagine all those players spreading awareness about these important issues! 
And I'm curious, do you think this kind of initiative could work for other social causes too? Maybe something like a "Virtual Pride" event in Minecraft or something? 
they're role-playing scenarios & teaching ppl how 2 stand up 4 human rights, even if u ain't directly affected. and the best part? its literally happening in Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto, & other games we already play! so yeah, I'm low-key super proud of these gamers 4 using their power 2 make a diff 
People are born with a certain sense of freedom, but we must make it our own and share it with others.
for the New Save Collective to use online gaming as a platform to educate people about their rights when dealing with ICE. I mean, who would've thought that Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto could be used to teach players about kindness, authenticity, and social good?