Risky business: Subtext in gaming
Despite the ability of subtext to enrich games, its inclusion is often neglected for two main reasons: it is simply forgotten and it is risky.
Despite the ability of subtext to enrich games, its inclusion is often neglected for two main reasons: it is simply forgotten and it is risky.
A common complaint among today’s game players is the quality of stories in games. I believe that it isn’t the plots or character development that is lacking, but the neglect to include subtext that creates inferior narratives.
Here in 2011, say the word ‘game’ to people and it’s likely they’ll imagine some screen-centric experience, whether it’s someone playing an Xbox or PlayStation game curled up on their couch, or a quick burst of Angry Birds on public transport. Cames have come into their cultural own through the mix of technology and art that have given us videogames.
Games are powerful mediums that allow designers and players opportunities to explore interesting and meaningful experiences. Serious games do this by raising awareness of serious issues and representing ideas and experiences of minority groups. Art Games is a label used to describe games that offer representations of ideas and experiences but use these to generate …
Serious games have been defined as a game whose primary function is something other than entertainment. Educational, training simulations, rehabilitation, art and propaganda are variations of this concept. Serious games are not just educational tools, they can provoke thought and action in their players through player choices, context and gameplay. Designers create these games because …
Alternator is a futuristic online racing game made for the ABC. Its purpose is to inspire players to take an interest in clean and renewable technologies. But can a game really save the planet?… No. The game can’t… but the people who play the game can.
The iStreet Skills xChange is a pilot project which aims to provide digital, social and literacy skills to disadvantaged Indigenous young people within their communities.
Out in Inala recently I spoke with two young guys, Hayden and Dre, while they were using the iStreet Media Lab to mix music tracks. We spoke about their journey, moving to Australia, and how the iStreet Lab is making a difference in their lives. What is your connection to the Inala community? Hayden: I …
With the iStreet Media Lab now embedded in Inala with mervin, we’ve pulled together some of the great stories of who is using the gear and rad things they are getting up to. Terii, from Inala, has been busy fine-tuning his photography skills after being introduced to mervin and the Media Lab by his cousin. …