Take US North (Take us to the north) It is a narrative game of adventure and survival For a single player who follows the journey of migrants and asylum seekers on their way to the border between the United States and Mexico. Inspired by real stories, Take US North seek to raise awareness about some of the most critical global problems of our time.
The game, which is planned to launch in 2026 or 2027, has generated an impact on US and other countries, such as The countryfrom Spain. The creator, Karla Reyes – daughter of a migrant originally from Quetzaltenango and Mother Filipina – is founder and creative director of Anima Interactive, a study based in Los Angeles, California, which currently develops the video game.
The game aims to “humanize and combat misinformation.” The stories are based on real testimonies compiled on the border between the US and Mexico.
Creator with Latin roots
Reyes is 31 years old and was born in New York. Speak English and Spanish. In an interview with Free pressHe explains that he studied languages and that his arrival in video games was self -taught. “Programming is like learning a language,” he says.
He also takes care of sound design, because as a child he studied music and lives closely how different arts join in video games.
Together with Reyes, the game has the participation of more talents from different nationalities and disciplines; Among them, there are also Guatemalans, such as video game developer Daniel Villagrán, from the 502 Studios company, and composer Josh Everre.
He founded his project in 2023. He developed a video game for a Netflix children’s television series, and thanks to that project they received some income, with which the development of Take US North.
“It has been a hard and challenging process, especially when trying to get financing, something common for independent studies. Fortunately, Xbox gave us support with some resources, and we also have other investors,” he explains. Thanks to this, they have managed to show the demo of the project.
In search of a community
For the founder of Anima Interactive, it is not just a video game, but something bigger: a social and cultural movement. “We want to cultivate a community that supports us with the message,” he says.
“We seek that this project be a way to inform us and connect with reality. For example, we have been collaborating with many migrants in shelters in Mexico. I have traveled there and I have traveled the paths that many people take to get from Mexico to Arizona. As is a very sensitive issue, I think it is essential to have direct feedback of people who are connected to this experience. We want to do it as authentic as possible and always with respect.
As part of the project, they have approached organizations and groups of immigrants in the United States to ask for their opinion and ensure that the project develops with responsibility and love, says the interviewee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlr7u9w4hgu
About the latest raids and protests in the United States, Reyes expresses that, although it has been intense weeks, the whole year has been marked by challenges. “For example, on January 20, when the new administration of Donald Trump entered here in the United States, they completely canceled asylum applications. Just then I was visiting shelters where many people waited for their appointments. That day, thousands of migrants and asylum seekers saw their hope of security and refuge completely disappear,” he recalls.
It also reflects that many people do not know the true motivations behind migration. “The majority of migrants do not want to leave their country, but they are forced to do so for violence, persecution or simply to look for a better life or meet their families. It is a very complex issue,” he says.
Consider humanizing those stories and making them visible. “We deeply believe in art as a tool to heal and to cultivate community. Through interactive and immersive experiences such as this video game, we hope to encourage empathy,” says Reyes.
During the demonstrations of the game, he considers that people who dare to use it are moved. “We feel that it is time to unite, more than ever. Any support, collaboration or help is welcome. If someone wants to be part of this effort, you can contact us,” concludes the founder of the project.
Anima Interactive has just launched your campaign in Kickstarter. The rewards include handicrafts embroidered by migrants in shelters such as House of Mercy (Nogales, Mexico), and part of the funds will be destined directly to these shelters.
The project has been presented at events in different countries, such as the London Games Festival, Maze, in Germany, and Gamescom Latam. In addition, a demo version was exhibited in the Tribeca Games Gallery in New York, one of the most emblematic art festivals in the United States. There, the visitors tested the game and also knew the artisanal work of the migrants who inspire the project.