The Project

The project, centered at SMU and generously funded by a non-competitive grant of more than $1,000,000, aims to address the glaring deficiencies in human trafficking data. While the need for robust, high-quality data in the domain of human trafficking is well recognized, acquiring it remains a challenge. With Dr. Corey Clark bringing his expertise and dedication to the project, SMU’s Human Trafficking Project seeks to combine a plethora of expertise to enhance the efficacy of data collection and analysis.

BALANCED Media|Technology’s Role in the Initiative

As experts in constructing human-in-the-loop interactive engines, BALANCED specializes in creating interfaces that connect players to real-world scientific data, thus helping train AI models. The collaboration with SMU, further strengthened by Dr. Clark’s insights, is poised to take this expertise to the next level. By engaging players in meaningful tasks related to real-world data, BALANCED’s systems offer an effective and efficient way to refine and train AI models, allowing them to recognize patterns and draw insights that can be transformative in areas such as human trafficking research.

Enter ‘Dark Shadows’

A novel game titled “Dark Shadows” stands as the centerpiece of this initiative. Set in a noir, detective milieu, where players delve into a “whodunit” mystery to uncover the circumstances surrounding a character’s missing brother. However, “Dark Shadows” isn’t just any game with a captivating storyline. The ingenuity of “Dark Shadows” is that it doubles up as a tool for a process known as Human Computation Gaming (HCG), wherein players contribute to training of a Machine Learning System or AI Model. Co-developed by Steph Buongiorno (who won the computer science category at SMU’s Graduate Poster Session for the game), and with key contributions from Dr. Corey Clark and BALANCED’s Interactive Media team, Players navigate through a mystery, sorting through DOJ press releases to tag entities. As they progress in the game, they’re essentially feeding the underlying AI model with invaluable data. This unique model of merging gameplay with crowdsourced AI training data exemplifies the future of interactive gaming with tangible real-world impacts.

The Potential Impact

Once enough data is collected and analyzed through this system, the AI, fed by crowdsourced AI training data, can potentially identify patterns and hotspots related to human trafficking incidents. Dr. Corey Clark’s involvement ensures that the research’s potential is maximized, empowering law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to act more decisively and effectively.

Collaboration at Its Best

This initiative underscores the power of collaboration. SMU offers research depth, Dr. Corey Clark provides invaluable expertise, Steph Buongiorno lends creativity and vision, the DOJ provides real-world case files, and BALANCED brings in the platform and technological prowess to bind everything together. By fusing academia, technology, and social responsibility, this collaborative effort symbolizes hope and promise in the global fight against human trafficking.

Conclusion

The blend of gaming, technology, and human intelligence offers a fresh perspective on tackling pressing societal issues. With the dedication of institutions like SMU, innovators like Steph Buongiorno, visionaries like Dr. Corey Clark, and tech leaders like BALANCED Media|Technology, there’s renewed hope that the darkness of hum

🔗 Read more about this effort at the SMU website

🔗 This project was also featured in an article by Dallas Innovates

🔗 Read about the grant at National Institute of Justice website

BALANCED

The game is based on the popular game “Fallen Shadows”, which was created by BALANCED’s CEO, Robert Atkins. By playing “Dark Shadows”, gamers will teach the AI behind the game to improve its accuracy and efficiency in identifying and connecting data points from different sources. This innovative approach, known as “human-in-the-loop AI”, will save time and resources for law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations, as well as provide new insights into the patterns and trends of human trafficking in the U.S. BALANCED is honored to collaborate with SMU and other partners on this important initiative that demonstrates the potential of video games and AI to make a positive difference in the world.

🔗 Read more about this effort at the SMU website

🔗 This project was also featured in an article by Dallas Innovates

“Chris’ unparalleled dedication to technological innovation, strategic vision, and leadership skills make him the ideal fit for the position,” said Robert M. Atkins, CEO of BALANCED Media|Technology. “His contributions have already played a significant role in shaping our direction, and we’re excited to see how his new role as Interactive Media Director will further elevate our mission.”

Chris joined BALANCED in 2016 as a Lead Gameplay Programmer. Since then, he has climbed the ranks through a combination of talent, grit, and a consistent demonstration of industry knowledge. His background includes notable tenures at leading companies such as Ensemble Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, and Bally’s Technologies. Furthermore, his successful engineering stints at Getty Images and Jack Henry and Associates (JHA), and his role at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL), showcase his broad technical prowess. His accomplishments underscore his dedication to creating impactful and user-centered solutions, a quality he brings to his new role at BALANCED.

As Interactive Media Director, Chris will utilize his extensive experience to drive BALANCED’s strategic direction in creating immersive, technology-driven solutions that bring real-world impact. BALANCED is confident that his vision and leadership will contribute significantly to the company’s innovative projects and its commitment to transforming the interactive media landscape.