{"id":667,"date":"2017-02-08T13:01:01","date_gmt":"2017-02-08T13:01:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/josephineanstey.com\/wp\/?page_id=667"},"modified":"2020-03-20T15:07:08","modified_gmt":"2020-03-20T15:07:08","slug":"how-media-represents-games","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/josephineanstey.com\/?page_id=667","title":{"rendered":"Games and VR"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are certain similarities between the kind of models used to simulate climate change (or any complex system) and games. Both are rule-driven simulations. Alternate reality game-maker and futurist Jane McGonigal argues that games can therefore help us to understand and negotiate the complexities around us in a way that is not possible for other media. In addition games only work if we act. As we analyze games we need to think about the kind of things they allow us to do, encourage us to do, make us do. We need to understand how the graphics, sound design, and narrative elements combine to create a stage for us to perform on – and how that performance creates meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video games from AAA games to indy games are engaging with environmental issues in a variety of ways. The games and one VR piece below (as well as the game you have played with your group) show some of the range of approaches. There are a couple of games to PLAY. (Trigger warning<\/strong> one of them is the game Plague.inc<\/em> read their statement about covid-19 if you feel nervous about playing.) There are a couple of linked READINGS. Also please VISIT the web-pages documenting the 2007 alternate reality game World Without Oil. <\/em>Finally there is a 16 minute video of a VR experience to WATCH. As usual it is up to you to manage your time. You may want to spend more time with some things than others, but at least skim through everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Oiligarchy
Oiligarchy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

PLAY<\/strong> Oiligarchy<\/a> by Molle Industria<\/a>, 2008<\/p>\n\n\n\n