Gaming Under the Influence
[Podcast]E.67
Ethan Returns to REVIII:
What does it mean to build a ‘world’?
M. John Harrison’s idiot take on worldbuilding
Drinking this week: Sugar Trill Gang IPA (Blood PRothers), Paps Pilsner (Oast House)
Playing this week: Final Fantasy ViiR, X, XV
Mike at GreenDragonCVR writes: news has surfaced that Ethan will return as the protagonist of Resident Evil VIII. This adds a layer of continuity with the previous entry beyond the overarching universe. Meanwhile Alex is busy with three different Final Fantasy games at once (VIIR, X, XV), which have continuity of an entirely different sort (if any). Join us for a comparison of these and other franchises to uncover some of the different ways it is possible to engage in the act of “worldbuilding”. To build a world is not necessarily to fictionalize a planet or society; a “world” is any kind of [constructed] context or ecosystem, with its own internal logic, categories and structures. It can be a whole planet, a society, a period in time or just the relationship of a few people.
We use Neo-Thomistic philosophy to analyze video games as fine art. Against corporate & political interests, we argue they (should) exist solely to be beautiful: self-contained, self-justifying acts of worldbuilding. Subscribe for a nominal monthly fee to support our project. No gimmicks, tricks or bonuses: if you believe in what we do, we are happy for your help.