Spawn On Me with Kahlief Adams: A Video Game Podcast · Spawn On Me LLC

The Real Story of Take Us North — Direct from the Developers

·39 min·3 clips

Carla Reyes shares how her family's migration from Guatemala inspired her to create a game about the refugee experience.

This episode features host Kahlief Adams interviewing Carla Reyes, founder of Anima Interactive and developer of the narrative game *Take Us North*. Reyes is a first-generation immigrant with family from Guatemala and the Philippines, and her team includes developers from Latin America, Spain, and the U.S. The game immerses players in the journeys of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, specifically through the Sonoran Desert. Reyes explains the project aims to humanize a topic often reduced to statistics or divisive rhetoric in mainstream media. The development is deeply researched, involving collaboration with migration shelters in Mexico, academics, anthropologists, and humanitarian groups on the ground. Reyes personally walked migrant trails and joined resource drops, noting the Sonoran Desert is one of the world's deadliest migrant routes. The game incorporates real audio and video accounts from migrants, handled delicately to avoid re-traumatization while amplifying their stories. Players assume the role of a migrant guide, or "coyote," tasked with shepherding a group across the border using mechanics like resource management and stealth. The art style is a hybrid of 3D environments and 2D character portraits, with faceless 3D models representing how migrants are often forced to live in the shadows. A surprising insight was finding evidence of "vigilantes" confiscating humanitarian aid left for migrants on the trails. Reyes also observed migrants sometimes leaving supplies behind for others, highlighting a shared humanity amid desperation. The team's Kickstarter offers physical rewards like handcrafted textiles from a partner migrant shelter, with proceeds directly supporting the community. The conversation touches on the concept of the "American dream," with some interviewees describing it as a nightmare or referencing a "Mexican dream" as people return to Mexico. The tone is conversational, educational, and deeply empathetic, focusing on personal connection and social impact. Listeners interested in games as a medium for social change, immigration narratives, or indie development with a humanitarian focus would appreciate this episode. Those seeking only light entertainment or gameplay-focused discussion might find the subject matter too heavy.

As heard by us

A Kickstarter-backed game project about immigration, told through migrants, street reactions, and a Bronx perspective.

Spawn On Me turns its attention to Take Us North, a Kickstarter-backed game project about immigration and the experience of coming to this country.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You are here for a game interview that keeps immigration, Bronx memory, and street reactions in the same room.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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