Wplace is a new pixel-painting game where users can create artwork layered over a map of the world. Made in Brazil, its popularity has soared on platforms like Reddit and has offered players an outlet for social commentary.
A creative concept reminiscent of Reddit’s ‘R/Place’, it has become a vehicle for online activism in Ireland and across the globe. Users have taken to the platform to paint flags and messages of support for Palestine and for LGBTQ+ communities.
In places where LGBTQ+ rights are severely under attack, players have filled the map with pixelated Pride flags. The game launched late July, and as of August 23, has reported 10 million users globally.
Due to the game’s restrictions on the number of pixels a user can paint within a certain timeframe, it has encouraged players to collaborate on larger pieces. For example, users cooperated to draw images of Superman over the map of Gaza, given the discourse surrounding the new film’s comparability to the ongoing genocide.
The map of Gaza is also dotted with pixel hearts and Palestine flags. Collaborative artwork has harnessed a sense of community within the game and contributed to the political and social commentary evident in the designs.
The game’s use of maps has created a space for artists to express their support for marginalised communities across the globe. Wplace rules warn against ‘griefing’ artwork (intentionally changing and damaging a player’s designs), but specify that ‘griefing political party flags or portraits of politicians is allowed’.
On the Irish Wplace map, the main cities are spotted with trans and queer flags as well as heartwarming messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community. There is also artwork calling on the Irish government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.
A Palestine flag marks the map at Shannon Airport, the site of recent protests due to the US military’s use of Irish airspace. Despite being a web game, Wplace has become a reflection of real-world social activism.
Players have also used the creative opportunity to channel their frustrations at individuals like JK Rowling, whose rhetoric and political involvements have caused serious harm to the trans community, culminating in the UK Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which marked the 2010 Equality Act’s definition of a woman as “biological”. Collaborative designs of trans flags feature on the map over Rowling’s Scottish estate, as well as on Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
As with any platform, instances of hate speech have been noted, despite the game’s reminders that this is not tolerated. However, players have been quick to band together to draw over any hateful paintings, posting in the subreddit to report hate speech and notify other users.
The subreddit has also been used to post about new designs and collaborations. The web game continues to gather traction as it reaches new audiences through social media.
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