Rhythm and Rope

Rhythm and Rope is a game that centers the unique play experiences of Black girls in a communal setting, with a particular focus on the embodied practices of Double Dutch and musical play. These activities, rooted in black oral traditions, are reimagined as digital experiences, where technology mediates their cultural production remixing them into forms of digital sense-making. Set within the community I grew up in, Dallas Texas, my work incorporates places such as the playground, beauty supply store,  as a communal gathering space for creativity and connection. It explores how this space extends into the digital realm in the 21st century through the remixing of digital games, race, gender, and culture. I have already begun the initial pre-production of assets and have solidified the story elements. And I will have a playable vertical slice ready for Fall 2025.

The objective of this project is to develop a digital game that focuses on Black voices and culture. This initiative aims to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black cultural labor within the gaming industry, while also providing a platform to document the histories of Black individuals, advocate for marginalized communities, and address the current gaps in research. I have conducted extensive research in the realms of Black game studies, humanities, culture, and technology, as well as feminist theories and praxis. It is essential that Black people see themselves represented positively in the medium. My long-term research objective is to foster enduring collaborations between Black women and girls within the gaming industry, both in virtual spaces and beyond. Games serve as a means of identity formation and community building, and Double Dutch will act as a bridge connecting the physical and digital realms. Upon the successful completion of this project, I aim to have begun mapping the historical impact of Black cultural production within digital gaming and creative technologies. The anticipated positive outcomes of this project would include a successful Game launch, an exhibition of the game and increased engagement with scholars and the public, thereby illuminating the contributions of Black cultural labor to creative technology and community.