"Cherry Picker": A Game That Highlights the Gig Economy Struggles

In an era where gig work has become a significant part of the economy, a new game titled "Cherry Picker" aims to simulate the daily challenges faced by gig workers, particularly ride-hailing drivers. Developed by GigU, a ride-hailing pay analysis app, this game offers players a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a driver and understand the complexities of choosing which jobs to accept in order to make ends meet.

The Premise of "Cherry Picker"

At its core, "Cherry Picker" revolves around the character Charles, a ride-hailing driver whose goal is to earn $200 in a single day to cover his bills. Each round of the game represents a day in Charles’s life, where players must navigate a series of ride offers, each with varying pay, distance, and time commitments. The challenge lies in making quick decisions that reflect the real-life pressures gig workers face.

Understanding the Game Mechanics

Players are presented with a series of ride-hailing trips, complete with details such as total pay, distance to the passenger, and estimated time to complete the trip. A crucial aspect of the game is the tutorial, which informs players that their operational costs, including fuel, amount to 75 cents per mile. This means that any trip accepted must gross more than this amount to be profitable.

The gameplay mimics the swipe-right-or-left mechanics popularized by dating apps, allowing players just five seconds to evaluate each trip. Some offers are clear winners, while others require careful consideration. This mechanic not only adds a layer of excitement but also emphasizes the need for strategic decision-making, mirroring the real-life dilemmas faced by gig workers.

Raising Awareness About Gig Work

Pedro Inada, co-CEO of GigU, emphasizes the importance of empathy in understanding the life of a gig worker. "It’s very important that the riders know what a day in the life of a driver is," he stated. By engaging with "Cherry Picker," players can gain insight into the financial pressures and decision-making processes that drivers must navigate daily.

Inada hopes that the game will foster respect for the choices drivers make, highlighting that success in the game, much like in real life, requires more than just accepting every job offer. "You won’t be able to win the game if you just accept everything, and that’s real life," he remarked.

The Development Journey

The creation of "Cherry Picker" was a swift endeavor, taking less than a month to develop. The game was "vibe-coded" by GigU’s marketing team using tools like ChatGPT and Replit. An initial version was launched in Brazil, where it attracted an impressive 300,000 players, showcasing its potential to resonate with audiences.

The character of Charles is an homage to Charlie Chaplin, particularly inspired by his role in the 1936 film "Modern Times." Inada draws parallels between the struggles depicted in Chaplin’s film and the contemporary challenges faced by gig workers, suggesting that if Chaplin were alive today, his narrative would likely center around the gig economy.

The Bigger Picture

As gig work continues to grow, tools like "Cherry Picker" serve not only as entertainment but also as educational platforms that shed light on the realities of this workforce. The game encourages players to think critically about their choices and the implications of those choices on the lives of gig workers.

Conclusion

"Cherry Picker" is more than just a game; it’s a reflection of the gig economy’s complexities and the daily struggles of those who work within it. By engaging with this simulation, players can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the gig workers who strive to make a living in an increasingly competitive landscape. As the gig economy evolves, initiatives like this will be crucial in fostering empathy and awareness among riders and the general public.