In the world of diet culture, numbers reign supreme—calories consumed, calories burned, and an incessant mental tally that can feel overwhelming. This numerical obsession is at the heart of Consume Me, a video game that transforms the narrative of disordered eating into an interactive experience.
Developed by Jenny Jiao Hsia and AP Thomson, Consume Me cleverly frames disordered eating as a strategy game, allowing players to navigate the challenges and absurdities of diet culture. The game's raw humor and poignant storytelling resonate with anyone who has grappled with the pressures of body image and food.
By blending personal memoir with gameplay, Consume Me invites players to reflect on their own experiences while engaging with the mechanics of the game. It serves as both a critique of diet culture and a means of understanding the often tumultuous relationship many have with food.