Three Strikes

Three Strikes

Author/Designer: Jenelle Walters

Three Strikes explores some of the laws and issues pertaining to the American Corrections system. I wanted to explore this topic because I felt that it is an underrepresented aspect of the criminal justice system. A lot of focus is given towards the police and the legal sides of the system but not as much attention is focused on corrections. Texts that inspired this game include Life without Parole: Living and Dying in Prison Today by Victor Hassine and American Corrections by Todd Clear, Michael Reisig, Carolyn Petrosino, and George Cole. 

The story of the game follows a conversation between two inmates, focusing on the main character, Paul, and his experience with the corrections system. Throughout the conversation players can click on different words to get more background not only on Paul but on the system itself. Through Paul’s background players get a glimpse of what life behind bars may be like and the kind of struggles that comes with that life. At the end of the conversation, I attached a link to a website that can allow players to take a closer look at the corrections system and the common myths about it. While this game is a work of fiction, I hope that it compels players to look deeper at the American Corrections system and the problems it faces today. 

T/W: Explores topics of suicide, violence, cursing, self-harm, death, drug abuse, and mental health