What if you could talk Shakespeare’s Macbeth out of violence? A new UC Davis-developed game lets players do just that, using AI to simulate dialogue and teach real-world conflict de-escalation skills through interactive storytelling rooted in some of the greatest dramas in the English language.

English Professor Gina Bloom dives into how ModLabs’ Shakespeare video game, "Play the Knave," knocks Shakespeare off a pedestal and gives students creative control over his plays. The game, released in 2020, is currently being adapted for virtual reality headsets.