Two game developers from Pakistan who are denied US visas to attend Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco make a game about their experience. The stated goal is to identify issues facing those trying to enter the United States from Muslim countries. The restrictions have been on the rise since President Donald Trump's appointment in 2016.
Trying To Fly was created as part of Global Game Jam, which took place on Jan. 31 to February 2, by Bisma Zia, Anam Sajid, and Ali Hamza. Both Zia and Sajid had previously received scholarships from the Independent Game Developers Association (IGDA) to go to GDC. However, when they applied for U.S. visas to the GDC in March, they were denied. Similar stories have played out over the last few years, affecting residents of Iran, Syria and other Muslim countries.
"They wanted to create a game that would enhance their (and others') experience in the Visa interview process," reads the game's description, "and how those steps could have a direct impact on their future careers and their health. The bird represents applicants dreams and aspirations for the future. ”
The IGDA has made great strides over the past decade to support new game developers around the world. Pakistan represents a new emerging field of sports, due to its intermediate phase of mobile technology adoption. And it's home to Pixelart Games Academy, Pakistan's first sporting event.
On the same weekend the Global Game Jam kicked off, the Trump administration has announced that they will increase their travel restrictions by 2020. Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania will all have new restrictions on visa access.