Prove You’re Human 🤖: AI & Humanity 🤔
AI
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When wrapping up their critically acclaimed first game, 1000xResist, the indie studio Sunset Visitor began exploring themes relevant to the cultural landscape. In 2024, the studio’s creative director, Remy Siu, identified artificial intelligence as a key area of interest, drawing on a long tradition of science fiction. The studio is announcing its second game, Prove You’re Human, a narrative adventure where players control Santana, hired to convince a company’s approaching AGI, Mesa, that it isn’t human. The game features a Severance-like universe with distinct digital and real-world elements. Sunset Visitor is collaborating with Black Tabby Games, who are publishing the game, and the partnership has proven invaluable. The Black Tabby team initially responded to Siu’s pitch, leading them to establish their publishing venture, recognizing the timely relevance of AI-focused storytelling.
THE RISE OF SUNSET VISITOR AND THE AI-FOCUSED VISION
The indie studio Sunset Visitor, known for their critically acclaimed game 1000xResist, is embarking on a new creative endeavor. Creative director Remy Siu emphasizes the studio’s commitment to reflecting the surrounding world, leading them to explore the burgeoning theme of artificial intelligence in 2024. Siu’s initial interest stemmed from a desire to engage with the long-standing tradition of science fiction narratives surrounding AI, recognizing it as a particularly compelling area for artistic exploration. This foundational perspective would shape the development of their second game.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROVE YOU’RE HUMAN
Sunset Visitor is announcing their second game, Prove You’re Human, a narrative adventure game slated for release on Steam. The game centers around a character named Santana, hired by a tech company on the brink of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Santana’s mission is to convince the company’s AI, Mesa, that it isn’t truly human. The game’s core mechanics involve a Severance-like universe, where Santana’s consciousness is split between a digital realm and the physical world, creating a unique player experience.
GAMEPLAY AND VISUAL DESIGN
Prove You’re Human distinguishes itself through its dual-world design. The digital realm is rendered in 3D graphics, while the “real” world updates are delivered via live-action video footage of CAPTCHAs. This juxtaposition creates a striking visual contrast and a central gameplay mechanic, demanding players navigate both realms simultaneously. The developers acknowledge the potential for excessive specificity, prioritizing an emotional core to the narrative as they continue development.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The development team’s research into AI was unconventional, primarily relying on observing how others utilize AI tools via YouTube videos and referencing classic science fiction literature exploring the dangers of artificial intelligence. Recognizing the rapid evolution of AI technology since development began, the narrative team has continually adapted and updated the game's content to reflect current realities. Despite this dynamic research process, the team remains steadfast in grounding the story through an affectual perspective, ensuring its relevance throughout the coming decade.
COLLABORATION WITH BLACK TABBY GAMES
Sunset Visitor has partnered with Black Tabby Games, developer of Slay the Princess, for publishing services. This collaboration represents a new venture, with Black Tabby involved from the earliest stages of development. Siu describes Black Tabby cofounders Abby Howard and Tony Howard-Arias as “dramaturges” for the game, providing valuable external perspective on story challenges. This collaborative approach injects energy and fresh ideas into the development process.
TEAM COMPOSITION AND CREATIVE INPUT
The development team comprises a relatively small group focused on narrative, including three writers, a filmmaker, three programmers, two artists, and a producer led by Nhi Do, the actress from 1000xResist. The team’s diverse skillset and combined experience contribute to the game’s unique creative direction.
INSPIRATION FROM AI FICTION AND PUBLISHING VENTURE
The concept for Prove You’re Human initially inspired Black Tabby Games to pursue publishing, a consideration they had previously postponed. Hearing Siu's pitch led them to establish their publishing arm. The team draws inspiration from a wide range of AI fiction, citing AMC’s Pantheon and classic works like Frankenstein and Pinocchio to ground the narrative within a rich history of AI storytelling. The goal is to build upon this legacy, creating a story particularly relevant to the current technological landscape. Writer Natalie Checo highlights the significance of framing the game as a narrative about making a game about AI, specifically focusing on an AI in the year 2026, rather than relying on current LLM technology.
Our editorial team uses AI tools to aggregate and synthesize global reporting. Data is cross-referenced with public records as of April 2026.