Papers, Please: Can bureaucracy accommodate morality?

In this podcast episode, we delve into "Papers, Please," the 2013 simulation game which immerses players in the role of an immigration officer in the fictional country of Arstotzka. Through its gameplay mechanics and narrative, we examine the moral dilemmas faced by bureaucrats tasked with enforcing strict border control policies. Join us as we explore whether bureaucratic systems can uphold moral values amidst the complexities of governance and individual decision-making.

Works mentioned:

• Cabellos, B., Pozo, J.I., Marín-Rubio, K. and Sánchez, D.L., 2022. Do pro-social video games promote moral activity?: an analysis of user reviews of Papers, Please. Education and Information Technologies, 27(8), pp.11411-11442.
• Kelly, M., 2018. The game of politics: Examining the role of work, play, and subjectivity formation in papers, please. Games and Culture, 13(5), pp.459-478.
• Morrissette, J., 2017. Glory to Arstotzka: Morality, rationality, and the iron cage of bureaucracy in Papers, Please. Game Studies, 17(1).
• Yee, N., 2006. The labor of fun: How video games blur the boundaries of work and play. Games and culture, 1(1), pp.68-71.

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