Work exploration in a virtual gig economy setting offered through a new game
In a unique twist, a new game developed by GigU, an app that helps Uber drivers evaluate ride offers, aims to educate passengers about the challenges faced by gig workers. The game, named "Cherry Picker", has already attracted 300,000 players in Brazil since its initial launch.
The game, available on the GigU app, simulates the struggles of gig workers, specifically Uber drivers. The main character, named Charles, is a homage to the early film star Charlie Chaplin, who served as inspiration due to his role in the 1936 film "Modern Times", which portrays a factory worker during the industrial revolution.
In "Cherry Picker", players must earn $200 within a day as an Uber driver, while ensuring each ride is profitable, with at least 75 cents per ride being the minimum requirement. However, Uber and Lyft have stated that such apps violate their terms of use, with Lyft suggesting it may deactivate the accounts of gig workers who use such apps.
GigU, one of the few third-party apps that helps gig workers analyze ride and delivery offers, launched its paid app for Uber drivers in the USA in May. The game "Cherry Picker" was developed by the marketing team of GigU in less than a month, using the AI chatbot ChatGPT and the development environment Replit "vibe-coded".
The goal of the game is not just to simulate the struggles of gig workers but also to educate passengers about the challenges they face. Inada, the co-CEO of GigU, believes that if Chaplin were alive today, "Modern Times" would likely be about gig workers.
On Wednesday, a free browser version of the game will be available, allowing a wider audience to experience the challenges faced by gig workers in the modern world. Despite the potential controversy, the game offers a unique and engaging way to raise awareness about the challenges faced by gig workers in the gig economy.
