Northwestern University in Qatar has unveiled “Chaos Corp.: Troll Farm Simulator,” an innovative mobile game designed to equip Filipino youth with the critical thinking and digital literacy skills necessary to navigate today’s complex information landscape. The game, developed with support from the Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South’s (#IAS_NUQ) Global South Research Grant, debuted at Web Summit Qatar 2025, where the university is an education partner.
Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar, emphasized the significance of the project, noting it aligns with the university’s commitment to multimodal knowledge production and evidence-based storytelling. "At Northwestern Qatar, we are committed to pioneering innovative approaches to knowledge production that engage communities and amplify Global South scholarship on the world stage. Chaos Corp. embodies this mission by leveraging interactive media to address the pressing issue of digital misinformation while fostering critical dialogue and media literacy,” he said.
Chaos Corp. is a retro-futuristic, cross-platform game that immerses players in the mechanics of digital deception. Developed by Spencer Striker, associate professor of digital media design at Northwestern University in Qatar, and Katrina Paola B. Alvarez, assistant professor of game studies at De La Salle University, the game allows users to take on the role of a digital manipulator, deploying various troll tactics to better understand the spread of misinformation. Available in English, Tagalog, and Arabic, Chaos Corp. is specifically designed to resonate with Filipino youth by addressing local histories of disinformation, press freedom, and the socio-political context of the Philippines.
“In today’s world, where disinformation undermines democracy, Chaos Corp. empowers Filipino youth to navigate the complexities of the digital world,” said Striker, project lead. “Through immersive gameplay and thought-provoking scenarios, we aim to cultivate a generation of informed digital citizens who can uphold truth and accountability in their online interactions.”
“At Northwestern Qatar, we are committed to pioneering innovative approaches to knowledge production that engage communities and amplify Global South scholarship on the world stage. Chaos Corp. embodies this mission by leveraging interactive media to address the pressing issue of digital misinformation while fostering critical dialogue and media literacy.”
The game has been widely praised for its collaborative, multilingual approach and its strong connection to the history of disinformation in the Philippines. It was also recognized for its interdisciplinary focus on media work in the Global South, exploring journalistic ethics, digital media, and the role of game-based learning in shaping future media consumption.
As part of its expanded participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025, Northwestern Qatar showcased Chaos Corp. alongside a range of initiatives that underscore the university’s leadership in media, research, and digital storytelling. The university’s programming included Sound Bytes, a platform featuring research-backed presentations by faculty, staff, students, and alumni on transformative media and technology topics. Additionally, Northwestern Qatar organized a series of panel discussions and thematic conversations addressing emerging digital issues such as media literacy, combating misinformation, and the ethics of AI in media.
Another highlight of the university’s programming was the participation of the Media Majlis Museum, which celebrated its fifth anniversary with an exhibition exploring the role of AI in journalism and media. Together, these initiatives reflect Northwestern Qatar’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering innovation, and amplifying its global impact at the intersection of media, communication, and technology.
For more information about Chaos Corp. and Northwestern Qatar’s participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025, click here.
