Hands Face Space explores the spatial implications of social distancing on our urban environments in response to the global pandemic.

Players cooperate in a networked multiplayer game environment to transform the city – setting guidelines and enacting changes at both large and small scales to mitigate the effects of a pandemic.

In this two-player game, the first player acts as the ‘government’ with a broad oversight of the city and its public health. The second player works as citizens, establishing the response of businesses, schools, and the public in the face of changes. Neither player has a complete picture of the situation, so they must collaborate and communicate together.

The game builds upon prior research into AI agents, integrating a population of game characters who respond to changes in social distancing guidelines, public health, and social and economic factors. Hands Face Space suggests that governmental and social strategies at an urban scale can be tested by means of intelligent game situations. The game also raises the importance of accurate, detailed, and nuanced communication between governments and the population in such rapidly changing situations.