Game Theory: Is This Game Hiding A Cult? (Kanye Quest 3030)

Summary

In this Game Theory episode, the host delves into the bizarre and mysterious *Kanye Quest 3030*, an RPG released in 2013. The game, seemingly a satirical exploration of Kanye West's persona, hides a secret cult recruitment mode tied to a pseudo-religious group called Ascensionism. By decoding hidden puzzles and interacting with cryptic NPCs, players uncover increasingly sinister elements, including requests for personal information. The episode explores whether this ARG was simply a prank or a legitimate cult recruitment tool, drawing comparisons to similar real-world practices used by groups like Heaven's Gate and Unicult.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kanye Quest 3030 is an RPG where you play as Kanye West, who is transported to the year 3030 to save America from a Lil B clone ruling as a god.
• 😀 The game’s humorous and meme-heavy exterior hides a secret, much darker ARG puzzle that invites players to join a cult-like organization.
• 😀 By talking to a hidden NPC in the game and typing 'ascend,' players unlock a secret mode that introduces a bizarre and eerie new level.
• 😀 The hidden level features cryptic messages and puzzles that suggest the game is a front for a cult called Ascensionism.
• 😀 Ascensionism, the supposed cult, existed before the game’s release, with mentions dating back to 2006 and references to its beliefs available in older blog posts.
• 😀 The game uses classic cult recruitment tactics, starting with seemingly innocent 'yes' questions and escalating to larger, more invasive requests.
• 😀 Players are asked for personal information (name, address, etc.), and given permission to interfere with their possessions during the final stages of the game.
• 😀 The game is compared to real-world cults, such as Heaven’s Gate and Unicult, which have used pop culture and unconventional means to recruit followers.
• 😀 The game's use of memes, popular culture, and hidden messages reflects how modern cults may appeal to younger, internet-savvy generations.
• 😀 The mystery behind *Kanye Quest 3030* continues to unfold, with ongoing questions about whether it's a genuine cult tool or just an elaborate, unsettling ARG.

Q & A

What is *Kanye Quest 3030* and how does it play?

*Kanye Quest 3030* is an RPG that features Kanye West as the protagonist who, after falling into a wormhole, ends up in the year 3030. The game plays similarly to Pokémon, where Kanye gathers a team of other rappers to battle enemies, including clones of famous musicians like Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj. It mixes humor, pop culture, and 2013 hip-hop references, but also contains hidden layers beyond its surface gameplay.

What is the hidden secret mode in *Kanye Quest 3030*?

The hidden secret mode in *Kanye Quest 3030* is called 'Ascension.' It can be unlocked by answering a specific prompt with the word 'ascend.' This mode leads players to a mysterious pyramid-shaped level containing multiple computers, QR codes, and messages associated with a cult called Ascensionism.

What happens when a player chooses to 'ascend' in the game?

When a player chooses to 'ascend,' they are transformed into a butterfly and teleported to a hidden level with unsettling music. Here, they receive a message inviting them to participate in a thought exercise designed to benefit them. The game asks the player not to reveal this secret mode to the public, signaling the start of a more sinister narrative.

What was the role of the QR code found in the hidden level?

The QR code found in the hidden level of the game leads to a website, but it was no longer active by the time people discovered it. Although it couldn't be accessed, it's believed to have been part of an alternate reality game (ARG) sequence, offering clues for the next steps, including passwords for the computers in the room.

Who discovered the hidden ascension mode, and what did they find?

The hidden ascension mode was discovered in January 2015 by an anonymous user who data-mined the game's source code. They found that the mode was connected to a cult called Ascensionism and posted links to its website, blog posts, and even an official record label. These findings suggested a deeper, more cult-like aspect to the game.

How does the *Kanye Quest 3030* game resemble cult recruitment methods?

The game mirrors cult recruitment techniques by starting with a harmless invitation to explore a hidden mode and gradually introducing bigger commitments, such as agreeing to participate in the 'ascension' process. It uses positive reinforcement, praise, and a promise of greater rewards, which are common tactics cults use to lure in new members.

What is Ascensionism, and how does it relate to *Kanye Quest 3030*?

Ascensionism is a religious or pseudo-religious movement that existed before *Kanye Quest 3030*. It teaches that humans can transcend their limitations and reach a higher state of existence. The game incorporates elements of Ascensionism, such as the pyramid symbol and messages about transcendence, which led many to believe that the game could be a tool for recruiting members of this movement.

Did Ascensionism exist before *Kanye Quest 3030*, and how is it connected to the game?

Yes, Ascensionism existed before the release of *Kanye Quest 3030*. It was first mentioned in a 2006 draft wiki page, and its website was active years before the game was made. The game’s use of Ascensionism-related symbols and language, like the pyramid eye and the word 'ascend,' suggests that the game either drew inspiration from this pre-existing concept or was influenced by it.

How does the Vigenère cipher in the game work, and what does it reveal?

The Vigenère cipher in the game uses the keyword 'xxxiv' (34 in Roman numerals) to decode the final password, which is 'micropia.' This step is part of the hidden ascension mode, where the player must input this password to progress. Decoding this cipher is key to unlocking the deeper, more unsettling aspects of the game.

What steps do cults typically use to recruit members, and how are they mirrored in *Kanye Quest 3030*?

Cults often use eight steps for recruitment, which include inviting people to non-threatening events, showering them with praise (love bombing), dangling the promise of greater rewards, and slowly extracting larger agreements. *Kanye Quest 3030* mirrors these steps by starting with small, innocuous requests ('ascend' to unlock the mode), gradually increasing commitment, and ultimately asking players for personal information to continue the process.