In the computer game series Grand Theft Auto, Los Santos is a fictional city in San Adreas. Players from the so-called “third world” use this virtual arena, this digital open world, to shape their reality to their liking. 

This short video essay, created at the request of the Singapore Art Museum, explores how Palestinian gamers mimic life under colonial occupation in Los Santos as a virtual proxy of the state of Palestine. 

“In the real world, players from colonised nations may never have the chance to fulfill the role of the main character, as they are often subalterns. Their struggle lies in becoming the master, the main character, and in-game decisions and team configurations often reflect their real-life experiences and perspectives,” writes Shehade.