Some of us welcome the idea of spending lots of time at home, but are there really people who would voluntarily go into lockdown? Homecoming, an interactive game that is part of Hebbel am Ufer’s HAU4 online program, deals with exactly this topic. Developed by Berlin interactive theater group Machina ex, the game runs on your computer via the Telegram’s desktop app, taking you on a journey of investigation and intrigue. After purchasing your ticket for a specific time slot, you receive a mysterious letter in the post. Then, once Homecoming starts, you use your letter and a Telegram group chat to help a team of “lockdowners” solve the mystery of a shady organization that offers to protect people from Covid. The game is best understood by playing it, but just to warn you: this is not a performance for a passive audience. You are required to take tests, make phone calls and assist your fellow participants. This twisting and turning adventure is of course fictional, yet it brings the potential consequences of today’s real-life lockdowns into sharp relief. (Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Barbara Lenartz)
Homecoming, an online game from machina eX, runs on HAU4 until 08.11.2020 – check the website for dates. To allow for the post, tickets can be bought up to two days before the game starts.