M. Regalado
CS 476A, F19
— the aesthetics of games
A continuation of our previous readings, the idea of where game aesthetics exist run from the very elements to the overall narrative of a game. In this specific response, however, the focus is on aesthetics of games regarding the narrative component of it. And thus, wanted to take the time to highlight some of my favorite games through the list of eight aesthetics: sensation, fantasy, submission, discovery, expression, narrative, challenge, and fellowship. Furthermore, with an ode to a following principle as a game aesthetic, “reflection”.
The game to highlight is an interactive fiction game called “Queers in love at the end of the World” , created by Anna Anthropy in Twine. This story begins with a subtle, yet inviting word of “Begin.” And then the countdown timer of 10 seconds begins and you must continue choosing what you want and need to be doing until the blackened screen with an option of an afterword — no spoiler on this end.
It beautifully encompasses the game aesthetics narrative, discovery, and quite beautifully encompasses Principle 6.5: Reflection — mirroring of our own humanness. Anna describes the game with targeted, social commentary about what really is important if everything was wiped out: “fellas, is it gay to make out in the ashes of capitalism?”
— all games require interaction and active participation
It is the perfect example where you completely embody this unnamed/gendered/(insert social construct) and are trying to find what the “best” options are for you to interact with her, the person you’re with in these last moments. This game not only calls on you to interact with its various options, though with an active participation asking you to choose through various options that can be replayed infinitely.
— all games are played in hyper-first person
Finally, as this principle states, this game truly is hyper-first person — even beyond the use case of a “third person game” like playing as Mario in Super Mario Bros. In this game, you surly are embodying not only the character, but the actual story line under such a time pressure. Though truly, the overwhelming take away from “Queers in love at the end of the world” is a pure, intimate realization of your own thoughts and place in the world in relation to those you care for around you. Please… take one minute — trust it’s all you need — to delve into this game and feel it over come.
M. ✌🏽
Ps. Shout out to “SUPERHOT” VR game where time is the medium… that one’s for you Ge.