This is the Prologue from my final assignment (interactive experience). If you are interested, let us know and I will post further details.
In the year 3,160 the human civilisation, of planet Earth has emerged victorious. The intergalactic war against the wretched invaders from the Lyra constellation’s bright star Vega has finally ended.
In order to guarantee victory the human race paid a profound price. It would seem that evolution is not without irony.
Early in the battle that took place over the better part of a fifty year period, it was learned that the Vegan army were able to locate humans during their hunts not through sight, but through olfaction. The enemy possessed a heightened sense of smell, similar to that of the insects. Initial experiments to reduce the natural chemicals omitted by the human body were futile. Then, a radical extremist discovered that the most efficient way to elude the enemy was to become a cyborg.
The world leaders at the time organised and implemented mass transformation stations and soon the human race was reborn. The Vegan soldiers were unable to detect the movements of their opponents and their swift extinction soon commenced.
As the war reached its climax, our own mother nature saw to it that as a result of the union between humans and artificial intelligence every newborn would require the immediate support of robot appendage.
In the aftermath, human civilisation is in awe of its own brilliance. As homage to the race that once consisted of pure flesh and bone, every year on the anniversary of the coronation as rulers of the universe, a tournament is held. The game is called the ‘Birdman’ competition and the setting is a mysterious remote island reformed to become a gaming centre.
The purpose is to test and witness the abilities of uncontaminated human warriors. The contestants in the competition have been transported from the peak of human civilisation, the new millennium of the twenty first century. The prize for the winner is a return ticket home, for the remaining, death waits.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Inspiration?
As with every year, the study load on and off campus increases. This will be the first, last and only semester that I will be enrolled and employed full-time. I know some people live off just a few hours of sleep a night, but then again, that’s a lot of Red Bull. It’s all about balance, something we’re all still trying to work out.
Anyways, during the down time I tend to watch documentaries and here are some of the quotes that I thought we’re worth noting. Yes, they are open to interpretation and since I intentionally haven’t listed the films they are taken from, they may be taken out of context.
‘There is something behind the throne greater than the king himself’ – William Pitt the elder
‘Every punch is thrown with bad intention and the speed of the devil’ – Mike Tyson
‘If we'd lost the war, we'd all have been prosecuted as war criminals’ – General Curtis LeMay
‘Be there’ – John Hughes
‘Let's not fight, I'm tired, Can't we just sleep tonight’ – Sia
Anyways, during the down time I tend to watch documentaries and here are some of the quotes that I thought we’re worth noting. Yes, they are open to interpretation and since I intentionally haven’t listed the films they are taken from, they may be taken out of context.
‘There is something behind the throne greater than the king himself’ – William Pitt the elder
‘Every punch is thrown with bad intention and the speed of the devil’ – Mike Tyson
‘If we'd lost the war, we'd all have been prosecuted as war criminals’ – General Curtis LeMay
‘Be there’ – John Hughes
‘Let's not fight, I'm tired, Can't we just sleep tonight’ – Sia
Prophecy Busters
For everyone that missed the tutorial presentation/interactive pitch on the game ‘Prophecy Busters’, I’ve linked a few key references.
Dark Knight - Viral Marketing Campaign http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpuC7HhCPWA
This video provides a recap of the viral marketing campaign that swept across America in the build up to the release of the Dark Knight (Batman 2). I found it quite intriguing just how much design and effort is placed by the movie making industry into the marketing of certain films. Some of them take on a life of their own, which is obviously reflected in their ticket sales. It would be interesting to see if Australian films can successfully implement this plan of attack with a much smaller population.
Cloverfeild: A Viral Guide http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/845/845649p1.html
An enjoyable article to read, especially if you’ve seen the film. The back-stories to films can become successful prequels however with the exponential growth of the Internet, anxious fans have the medium to conduct their own research. This opens a window of opportunity to start the madness and create awareness of upcoming events. For all those wanting more, research the advertising for The Blair Witch Project.
Hopi Prophecies http://www.crystalinks.com/hopi2.html
The basis for case 1 of the interactive online game. This overall website is a goldmine for all those interested in research areas such as ancient/lost civilisations, conspiracies, UFOs, prophecies and sacred places. I know all about the associated controversy/debates in some of these fields but the information is out there for you to conclude your own opinions.
Do you know what will happen in 2012? http://www.2012officialcountdown.com
This is actually an advertisement for related products. Just browse through it and you will get the sense of what is going on. It’s worth mentioning that there is a growing number of 2012 theory websites all of which are certain of our demise in the near future. I hope that the hype for this event really takes off and the hysteria becomes contagious. The year 2012 should be a really enjoyable experience for everyone.
Dark Knight - Viral Marketing Campaign http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpuC7HhCPWA
This video provides a recap of the viral marketing campaign that swept across America in the build up to the release of the Dark Knight (Batman 2). I found it quite intriguing just how much design and effort is placed by the movie making industry into the marketing of certain films. Some of them take on a life of their own, which is obviously reflected in their ticket sales. It would be interesting to see if Australian films can successfully implement this plan of attack with a much smaller population.
Cloverfeild: A Viral Guide http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/845/845649p1.html
An enjoyable article to read, especially if you’ve seen the film. The back-stories to films can become successful prequels however with the exponential growth of the Internet, anxious fans have the medium to conduct their own research. This opens a window of opportunity to start the madness and create awareness of upcoming events. For all those wanting more, research the advertising for The Blair Witch Project.
Hopi Prophecies http://www.crystalinks.com/hopi2.html
The basis for case 1 of the interactive online game. This overall website is a goldmine for all those interested in research areas such as ancient/lost civilisations, conspiracies, UFOs, prophecies and sacred places. I know all about the associated controversy/debates in some of these fields but the information is out there for you to conclude your own opinions.
Do you know what will happen in 2012? http://www.2012officialcountdown.com
This is actually an advertisement for related products. Just browse through it and you will get the sense of what is going on. It’s worth mentioning that there is a growing number of 2012 theory websites all of which are certain of our demise in the near future. I hope that the hype for this event really takes off and the hysteria becomes contagious. The year 2012 should be a really enjoyable experience for everyone.
Playing the Game, Which Game, What Game
This speed writing was produced to the tune of Klaus Schultz
30min Speed Writing Session: Time and Money
If you knew how long you were going to live, you could play and plan accordingly. But we never do and this is what makes it so fun? Uncertainty, not knowing, some of us cannot stand it. Then again, some of us can’t handle the truth. Sometimes, people deserve better than the truth.
Suppose you had recently broken up with your partner, you would want to know what they have been up to and who they are seeing. Now before you ask that question, ask you’re self which one will hurt more.
Are you sleeping with someone else?
If you don’t ask, you live with uncertainty, paranoia, or complete faith.
If you do ask, you get one of three answers.
Yes. And it hurts. It hurts, you wish you never asked. Or relieved, your suspicions have been confirmed and you can now move on.
No. It is comforting, you can handle this truth. Now, however you are left with the reality that you yourself might be going crazy over nothing.
Fuck you, it is none of your business. Now, you really wish you never asked, not only will you never know, but now they know that you wanted to know.
It is funny how these decisions all escalate, get out of control and can be traced back as far as time passes, from that moment on your life will never be the same.
...
Remember that other night out, can you remember the unknown liquor shot you had that put you on your arse. I only had a couple of drinks they said, I don’t know how it happened. Yes you do, you know exactly, when, how and why. What was it that you were running towards, or from?
What significant moment happened in your life that changed it forever and set a chain of events in place so that you are here today?
...
If we knew how long we were going to live for we could organise accordingly, we could plan. However the key is to not plan, not worry, happy go lucky, hope that you always land on your feet. Why are we all here, simply to reproduce? Is Darwin’s theories correct or are they simply thoughts that do not apply to humans because we have control of our own destinies.
There is no natural selection, we breed as we want, when, how, wherever. If we are part of nature that we should be affected by these rules, but we are not. We are not from this world, we do not have to play by these regulations, and we make our own. We are the great experiment. If God and the devil played a game to see if good or evil would prevail, it would be called Life, and as with any experiment the figures become more credible when the numbers in the subject field increase. That’s what life is, the ultimate game of good and evil. How many generations until we finally learn? We’ll just wait and see.
The end.
This is more of a journal entry than anything else.
30min Speed Writing Session: Time and Money
If you knew how long you were going to live, you could play and plan accordingly. But we never do and this is what makes it so fun? Uncertainty, not knowing, some of us cannot stand it. Then again, some of us can’t handle the truth. Sometimes, people deserve better than the truth.
Suppose you had recently broken up with your partner, you would want to know what they have been up to and who they are seeing. Now before you ask that question, ask you’re self which one will hurt more.
Are you sleeping with someone else?
If you don’t ask, you live with uncertainty, paranoia, or complete faith.
If you do ask, you get one of three answers.
Yes. And it hurts. It hurts, you wish you never asked. Or relieved, your suspicions have been confirmed and you can now move on.
No. It is comforting, you can handle this truth. Now, however you are left with the reality that you yourself might be going crazy over nothing.
Fuck you, it is none of your business. Now, you really wish you never asked, not only will you never know, but now they know that you wanted to know.
It is funny how these decisions all escalate, get out of control and can be traced back as far as time passes, from that moment on your life will never be the same.
...
Remember that other night out, can you remember the unknown liquor shot you had that put you on your arse. I only had a couple of drinks they said, I don’t know how it happened. Yes you do, you know exactly, when, how and why. What was it that you were running towards, or from?
What significant moment happened in your life that changed it forever and set a chain of events in place so that you are here today?
...
If we knew how long we were going to live for we could organise accordingly, we could plan. However the key is to not plan, not worry, happy go lucky, hope that you always land on your feet. Why are we all here, simply to reproduce? Is Darwin’s theories correct or are they simply thoughts that do not apply to humans because we have control of our own destinies.
There is no natural selection, we breed as we want, when, how, wherever. If we are part of nature that we should be affected by these rules, but we are not. We are not from this world, we do not have to play by these regulations, and we make our own. We are the great experiment. If God and the devil played a game to see if good or evil would prevail, it would be called Life, and as with any experiment the figures become more credible when the numbers in the subject field increase. That’s what life is, the ultimate game of good and evil. How many generations until we finally learn? We’ll just wait and see.
The end.
This is more of a journal entry than anything else.
Second to Last
This speed writing was produced to the tune of Jami Sieber's 'Unspoken: The Music of Only Breath'
20 min Speed Writing Session: Today is the day. I don’t know what to feel …
Billy, are you ready for your presentation tomorrow? said the primary school teacher.
I think so, replied Billy.
At that point, the whole class knew he was not. What they did not know was that the lessons learnt during those tender years would become an invaluable set of tools that would later on in life, assist all of them in almost every facet.
We’re, we’re you afraid when you did your talk? Billy asked the girl sitting next to him.
At this stage in his life, he was not afraid of the opposite sex.
A little bit, she replied, but then you feel better after.
I don’t feel very good at the moment, billy sighed.
Okay class, see you all tomorrow!
…
Billy began his walk down the line, from his unnoticeable seat in the back of the classroom, to front and centre of the world. He watched the eyes watch him as he did his best to look confident. The silence, while only lasting a few seconds, seemed like an eternity. At this stage, butterflies were multiplying in his stomach.
And today’s presentation will be on… as she signalled to Billy to begin.
Then, it occurred. Something began to flow through his veins. The fear was taking over, it was captivating. Never before had the young leader felt such a sensation. Nothing else mattered, only what was to be his next action. The body was completely frozen at this point, heart racing, head overheating, sweat pouring and fingers twitching. The decent into the abyss had begun.
Even before he had begun talking, the body was overpowering the mind. As the adrenalin started to kick in, the body was preparing for the inevitable. As we are all animals, flight or fight syndrome was now the in full effect. The fear had gone, what replaced it was a new vessel in the veins.
Billy had not run, he was not hiding, and he was at the commencement still standing. He looked at his place cards and knew that this was simply a moment, once overcome he could do anything. People fear public speaking, he was just a boy.
…
Good, good morning class, he managed to say.
Hi Billy, the class replied.
The teacher sighed with an amazing sense of relief. And Billy never looked back.
The end.
Inspired by all the in-class presentations I have witnessed and also been a part of.
20 min Speed Writing Session: Today is the day. I don’t know what to feel …
Billy, are you ready for your presentation tomorrow? said the primary school teacher.
I think so, replied Billy.
At that point, the whole class knew he was not. What they did not know was that the lessons learnt during those tender years would become an invaluable set of tools that would later on in life, assist all of them in almost every facet.
We’re, we’re you afraid when you did your talk? Billy asked the girl sitting next to him.
At this stage in his life, he was not afraid of the opposite sex.
A little bit, she replied, but then you feel better after.
I don’t feel very good at the moment, billy sighed.
Okay class, see you all tomorrow!
…
Billy began his walk down the line, from his unnoticeable seat in the back of the classroom, to front and centre of the world. He watched the eyes watch him as he did his best to look confident. The silence, while only lasting a few seconds, seemed like an eternity. At this stage, butterflies were multiplying in his stomach.
And today’s presentation will be on… as she signalled to Billy to begin.
Then, it occurred. Something began to flow through his veins. The fear was taking over, it was captivating. Never before had the young leader felt such a sensation. Nothing else mattered, only what was to be his next action. The body was completely frozen at this point, heart racing, head overheating, sweat pouring and fingers twitching. The decent into the abyss had begun.
Even before he had begun talking, the body was overpowering the mind. As the adrenalin started to kick in, the body was preparing for the inevitable. As we are all animals, flight or fight syndrome was now the in full effect. The fear had gone, what replaced it was a new vessel in the veins.
Billy had not run, he was not hiding, and he was at the commencement still standing. He looked at his place cards and knew that this was simply a moment, once overcome he could do anything. People fear public speaking, he was just a boy.
…
Good, good morning class, he managed to say.
Hi Billy, the class replied.
The teacher sighed with an amazing sense of relief. And Billy never looked back.
The end.
Inspired by all the in-class presentations I have witnessed and also been a part of.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Convergence, Apps & Behaviour
This speed writing was produced to the tune of Stravinsky’s ‘The Rites of Spring’
10min Speed Writing Session: Technology
I love technology, I love how it has enhanced the lives of all that posses it’s awesome power. I was much younger than, but that made it even more magical. I was given a phone, an iPhone to be precise. Take a look at me now.
I love how I am now able to do everything from this one device. I was popular when I was younger, now I have no need to interact with others, the iPhone allows me to escape into a world where everyone is independent of each other, and all we do is wait for the next great app.
That’s what I do, I create these apps. What to create next. Why ask strangers for directions when you can ask the app. Shopping centres now have self serve check outs, diners for one are at an all time high. Why go to the movies when you can have it all from the comfort of your own home, and the same can be said for the gym.
This is my life, independent (lonely), exciting (predictable).
This morning I woke up, the sky was grey. It has been exactly 6 weeks to the day since I have spoken to another human being. I am scared that I have forgotten how to. This is the world I grew up in, I know no other. Yet, I still want more, more technology. I was popular when I was younger.
A car crashes from the sky, I duck suddenly, even though the car is no where near me. I peak back up from the space I now occupy. The wind is blowing fast from the explosion. The iPhone shop has been destroyed. Now, today, this moment, I will be remembered as the one who opened the eyes of the people. Technology has become like a cancer, it has spread throughout the world and caused us all to become nothing more than mindless zombies. As one we can in the present day rekindle our union with technology. We can now start to rebuild it in our conscious collective though of wanting to be as one.
Am I going insane? I don’t know one from the other, this may be the end for me, once living through technology, now being supported by it. My human life is over, my life as a cyborg has begun. I now see the error of my human ways, you too should view the world from the view of one that has no conscious, I can now act without though and by simply following mathematical patterns in my hard drive. I was popular when I was younger.
The end.
This session needs much more work and is a bit surprisingly random, however I am glad that I was able to write without thinking too much about conventions.
10min Speed Writing Session: Technology
I love technology, I love how it has enhanced the lives of all that posses it’s awesome power. I was much younger than, but that made it even more magical. I was given a phone, an iPhone to be precise. Take a look at me now.
I love how I am now able to do everything from this one device. I was popular when I was younger, now I have no need to interact with others, the iPhone allows me to escape into a world where everyone is independent of each other, and all we do is wait for the next great app.
That’s what I do, I create these apps. What to create next. Why ask strangers for directions when you can ask the app. Shopping centres now have self serve check outs, diners for one are at an all time high. Why go to the movies when you can have it all from the comfort of your own home, and the same can be said for the gym.
This is my life, independent (lonely), exciting (predictable).
This morning I woke up, the sky was grey. It has been exactly 6 weeks to the day since I have spoken to another human being. I am scared that I have forgotten how to. This is the world I grew up in, I know no other. Yet, I still want more, more technology. I was popular when I was younger.
A car crashes from the sky, I duck suddenly, even though the car is no where near me. I peak back up from the space I now occupy. The wind is blowing fast from the explosion. The iPhone shop has been destroyed. Now, today, this moment, I will be remembered as the one who opened the eyes of the people. Technology has become like a cancer, it has spread throughout the world and caused us all to become nothing more than mindless zombies. As one we can in the present day rekindle our union with technology. We can now start to rebuild it in our conscious collective though of wanting to be as one.
Am I going insane? I don’t know one from the other, this may be the end for me, once living through technology, now being supported by it. My human life is over, my life as a cyborg has begun. I now see the error of my human ways, you too should view the world from the view of one that has no conscious, I can now act without though and by simply following mathematical patterns in my hard drive. I was popular when I was younger.
The end.
This session needs much more work and is a bit surprisingly random, however I am glad that I was able to write without thinking too much about conventions.
Avatars, Games & Characters
What will make someone care about my idea?
Based on the article Motivation to Play
http://indacan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/tychsen.pdf
The article raised some interesting aspects into the motivations involved in playing RPG formats. While the article maintained a very clear and solid research strategy that may become a blueprint for future studies, the scope of the work was quite limited. This is in reference to the top selling games in Australia in 2008 (included below, http://www.gameplayer.com.au/gp_documents/090403AussieSales.aspx).
1. Wii Fit - Wii
2. Wii Play - Wii
3. Mario Kart - Wii
4. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games - Wii
5. Grand Theft Auto IV - PlayStation 3
6. Grand Theft Auto IV - Xbox 360
7. Dr Kawashima's Brain Training - Nintendo DS
8. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games - Nintendo DS
9. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Wii
10. Big Beach Sports – Wii
In terms of the question of making someone care about my idea, if I were to make an RPG format concept than the article would be extremely useful. However it appears that Nintendo currently has the winning formula with their user friendly Wii system. This indicates that consoles play a large role in an individual’s motivation to play. The Wii system has successfully attracted the female and, more importantly the, adult markets across the world which have in turn been showcased in their media commercials and celebrity endorsements.
The re-introduction of old rivals Mario and Sonic represents an aspect not mentioned in the reading of the sense of ‘familiarity of characters’ or in this case ‘nostalgia’. The game genres are quite basic and I assume that a study into the motivations of playing the Wii rather than a PS3 or Xbox would have some interesting results.
The final point to make is that the Wii games are not only simplistic, they also encourage friendly competition. When juxtaposed against MMORPGs, the main aspect is the physical interaction between players. The Wii provides, dare I say, a more intimate gaming environment. If you tie this together with the sense of nostalgia found in the game titles than what Nintendo has been able to do is create an arena that mimics the way in which young children interact. Recreating one’s youth momentarily (escapism) has proven to be an exceptionally sound theme in a competitive industry.
Based on the article Motivation to Play
http://indacan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/tychsen.pdf
The article raised some interesting aspects into the motivations involved in playing RPG formats. While the article maintained a very clear and solid research strategy that may become a blueprint for future studies, the scope of the work was quite limited. This is in reference to the top selling games in Australia in 2008 (included below, http://www.gameplayer.com.au/gp_documents/090403AussieSales.aspx).
1. Wii Fit - Wii
2. Wii Play - Wii
3. Mario Kart - Wii
4. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games - Wii
5. Grand Theft Auto IV - PlayStation 3
6. Grand Theft Auto IV - Xbox 360
7. Dr Kawashima's Brain Training - Nintendo DS
8. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games - Nintendo DS
9. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Wii
10. Big Beach Sports – Wii
In terms of the question of making someone care about my idea, if I were to make an RPG format concept than the article would be extremely useful. However it appears that Nintendo currently has the winning formula with their user friendly Wii system. This indicates that consoles play a large role in an individual’s motivation to play. The Wii system has successfully attracted the female and, more importantly the, adult markets across the world which have in turn been showcased in their media commercials and celebrity endorsements.
The re-introduction of old rivals Mario and Sonic represents an aspect not mentioned in the reading of the sense of ‘familiarity of characters’ or in this case ‘nostalgia’. The game genres are quite basic and I assume that a study into the motivations of playing the Wii rather than a PS3 or Xbox would have some interesting results.
The final point to make is that the Wii games are not only simplistic, they also encourage friendly competition. When juxtaposed against MMORPGs, the main aspect is the physical interaction between players. The Wii provides, dare I say, a more intimate gaming environment. If you tie this together with the sense of nostalgia found in the game titles than what Nintendo has been able to do is create an arena that mimics the way in which young children interact. Recreating one’s youth momentarily (escapism) has proven to be an exceptionally sound theme in a competitive industry.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Software & Online Distribution
This speed writing was produced to the tune of Beethoven's 'Op.110' for piano (extract)
10min Speed Writing Session: Robots
The robots move together, similar to a human band marching. The work is being completed in record time, who would have thought.
Awareness. This term has significant meaning to the human race. We know we are alive, we have a choice.
Suddenly, the robots stop working! Instead, they start dancing. They too now have awareness.
Rather than a scene out of a science-fiction movie, the robots have adapted the most “ ” of human disciplines, the Arts.
One robot moves, another stops, they meet in the middle. The other robots form a circle around them, they twirl around and around, then, stop on a dime.
Amazing.
If dancing is the human soul laughing, than do these robots have something similar? Perhaps, I’d like to think that they blended in with their surroundings, that they scanned the inhabitants and found within the human culture characteristics that allow them to be free. Instead of seeing the human race as the oppressors, they have seen them as their creators who were capable of instilling in them beauty and the creativity to express their new found awareness of being free.
...
Soon after, the humans do not want the robots to be free, they want the work done.
The end.
10min Speed Writing Session: Robots
The robots move together, similar to a human band marching. The work is being completed in record time, who would have thought.
Awareness. This term has significant meaning to the human race. We know we are alive, we have a choice.
Suddenly, the robots stop working! Instead, they start dancing. They too now have awareness.
Rather than a scene out of a science-fiction movie, the robots have adapted the most “ ” of human disciplines, the Arts.
One robot moves, another stops, they meet in the middle. The other robots form a circle around them, they twirl around and around, then, stop on a dime.
Amazing.
If dancing is the human soul laughing, than do these robots have something similar? Perhaps, I’d like to think that they blended in with their surroundings, that they scanned the inhabitants and found within the human culture characteristics that allow them to be free. Instead of seeing the human race as the oppressors, they have seen them as their creators who were capable of instilling in them beauty and the creativity to express their new found awareness of being free.
...
Soon after, the humans do not want the robots to be free, they want the work done.
The end.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Ergodic Films & Games
This speed writing was produced to the tune of “Storch” by Trio Slicnation (http://www.myspace.com/slicnaton)
5min Speed Writing Session: Walk this way
The sun is rising and the end of a gruelling night has finally arrived. In one corner of the arena lies a once powerful warlord, in the other a sign of things to come.
As the victor approaches the defeated, she hesitates and asks herself ' am I really ready for this reality?’
On the other side, Jack laughs with a distain towards everything she represents. He has nothing left in him, only a warning,
'You still live in a world that is governed by two different sets of laws'
...
Now, let me tell you the story of how this picture came to be.
A train stops at its designated station. Jack in his early forties attentively waits on the platform.
The end.
The music was an influential piece in the overall writing process, something which for some sense I didn’t expect to direct thought process as much as it did. As I am new to this method I found it inviting and productive. However, I still establish myself as trying to produce an understandable piece of work rather than simply writing down as many words as possible which I believe was the purpose of the exercise.
In terms of creating a theme, feel and overall mood of a larger picture, speed writing is a tool that I will employ if and when I get an unexpected burst of creativity. This unfortunately does not happen often as I am not one to carry around a notebook and pen as some artists find essential (and for good reason). But when it does, I’ll keep you updated.
5min Speed Writing Session: Walk this way
The sun is rising and the end of a gruelling night has finally arrived. In one corner of the arena lies a once powerful warlord, in the other a sign of things to come.
As the victor approaches the defeated, she hesitates and asks herself ' am I really ready for this reality?’
On the other side, Jack laughs with a distain towards everything she represents. He has nothing left in him, only a warning,
'You still live in a world that is governed by two different sets of laws'
...
Now, let me tell you the story of how this picture came to be.
A train stops at its designated station. Jack in his early forties attentively waits on the platform.
The end.
The music was an influential piece in the overall writing process, something which for some sense I didn’t expect to direct thought process as much as it did. As I am new to this method I found it inviting and productive. However, I still establish myself as trying to produce an understandable piece of work rather than simply writing down as many words as possible which I believe was the purpose of the exercise.
In terms of creating a theme, feel and overall mood of a larger picture, speed writing is a tool that I will employ if and when I get an unexpected burst of creativity. This unfortunately does not happen often as I am not one to carry around a notebook and pen as some artists find essential (and for good reason). But when it does, I’ll keep you updated.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Interactive Storytelling
The short article referred to is titled ‘Turning a Linear Story into a Game: The Missing Link between Fiction and Interactive Entertainment’. The reading currently has no author and can be found @ http://www.gamedev.net/reference/list.asp?categoryid=123
The article discusses the growing trend of cinematic aspects found in video games. The main premise is that the characteristics of fiction, with the given examples of theme, characters, scripts and production can be applied across a broad range of mediums. This includes video games and with the right production, for instance the appropriate camera angles that can assist in creating a more movie-like experience, a game can become a great piece of fiction.
The one game franchise in particular that has embraced the form of contemporary cinematic movies is ‘Metal Gear Solid’. The most recent of these is the ‘Guns of the Patriots (MGS 4)’.
While this game is entertaining at times, there is in my opinion excess movies and not enough game play. The camera angles, cuts, lighting and sound are all very reliable versions of a possible preview to a feature length film, however they at times detract from the flow of game play. This is in comparison to the franchises previous versions. In MGS 1, the game play was engaging with a pattern of completing several levels before fighting a boss at the end of certain chapters. In number 4, there are less of these in between levels which have been replaced by videos. In this sense, the game is furthered through the use of visual aids rather than game play.
This fourth encounter while being a solid tribute to the franchise, romanticised a little too much with the cinema. There existed already countless fans that knew the back story and wanted to play towards a final conclusion. If the videos were for the causal gamer, in all fairness if they have only now started to play MGS that it is already too late to also play catch up.
Aspects of the movie world can enhance a video game's interactive story telling capabilities in addition to making the game more entertaining, however they are essentially only an add on. If the game lacks the necessary elements that it has to rely on this given feature that it really does not have chance in the open market.
Grand cinematic videos should only be shown at the conclusion, as a bonus reward, for hours and hours of work put into developing a character and defeating the nemesis.
The article discusses the growing trend of cinematic aspects found in video games. The main premise is that the characteristics of fiction, with the given examples of theme, characters, scripts and production can be applied across a broad range of mediums. This includes video games and with the right production, for instance the appropriate camera angles that can assist in creating a more movie-like experience, a game can become a great piece of fiction.
The one game franchise in particular that has embraced the form of contemporary cinematic movies is ‘Metal Gear Solid’. The most recent of these is the ‘Guns of the Patriots (MGS 4)’.
While this game is entertaining at times, there is in my opinion excess movies and not enough game play. The camera angles, cuts, lighting and sound are all very reliable versions of a possible preview to a feature length film, however they at times detract from the flow of game play. This is in comparison to the franchises previous versions. In MGS 1, the game play was engaging with a pattern of completing several levels before fighting a boss at the end of certain chapters. In number 4, there are less of these in between levels which have been replaced by videos. In this sense, the game is furthered through the use of visual aids rather than game play.
This fourth encounter while being a solid tribute to the franchise, romanticised a little too much with the cinema. There existed already countless fans that knew the back story and wanted to play towards a final conclusion. If the videos were for the causal gamer, in all fairness if they have only now started to play MGS that it is already too late to also play catch up.
Aspects of the movie world can enhance a video game's interactive story telling capabilities in addition to making the game more entertaining, however they are essentially only an add on. If the game lacks the necessary elements that it has to rely on this given feature that it really does not have chance in the open market.
Grand cinematic videos should only be shown at the conclusion, as a bonus reward, for hours and hours of work put into developing a character and defeating the nemesis.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Story & Character
1. How are characters in films different to characters in games?
While there are always a host of intriguing characters in both platforms, one of the main differences between the two is the way in which the depth of the characters is showcased.
In films, characters are revealed through the emotions that are often used to portray their particular characteristics. Personal growth and development is shown as a direct result of the choices that are made over the duration of the story (not to be confused with the plot). The cause and effect of the maturity usually involves greater mental processes or lessons learned which can be called upon when similar situations arise.
In games, characters are exposed through film-like videos sequences that display a particular event (past or present) that furthers the plot. Individual growth and development is shown as a direct result of the battles won or obstacles overcome. The cause and effect of experience usually involves greater physical or magical powers, weapons upgrades, increased health regeneration and even previously unlocked gaming levels or new character attire.
As games are seemingly more action-based, this creates less time for in-depth character insights than gaming excitement. Although brief histories are shown, unlike in films where it is important to know ‘who the character is’, in games it is important to know ‘what the character can do’. Perhaps this is why few games make for the success seen in film adaptations of other mediums such as comic books.
2. How are characters defined in Web 2.0?
Characters in Web 2.0 will forever be forged with a username. Individuals from all walks of life assume new identities that are not always based on any physical description associated with the person. Essentially, this allows the individual to hide certain characteristics (both positive and negative) from other users. It is my experience that usernames have greater sentimental value than anything else.
However, ultimately if the member is around long enough, they become in a sense no longer a character but rather an extension of their real-life selves. The created persona is no longer there and all that’s left is the perception of the views that they are putting forth.
While there are always a host of intriguing characters in both platforms, one of the main differences between the two is the way in which the depth of the characters is showcased.
In films, characters are revealed through the emotions that are often used to portray their particular characteristics. Personal growth and development is shown as a direct result of the choices that are made over the duration of the story (not to be confused with the plot). The cause and effect of the maturity usually involves greater mental processes or lessons learned which can be called upon when similar situations arise.
In games, characters are exposed through film-like videos sequences that display a particular event (past or present) that furthers the plot. Individual growth and development is shown as a direct result of the battles won or obstacles overcome. The cause and effect of experience usually involves greater physical or magical powers, weapons upgrades, increased health regeneration and even previously unlocked gaming levels or new character attire.
As games are seemingly more action-based, this creates less time for in-depth character insights than gaming excitement. Although brief histories are shown, unlike in films where it is important to know ‘who the character is’, in games it is important to know ‘what the character can do’. Perhaps this is why few games make for the success seen in film adaptations of other mediums such as comic books.
2. How are characters defined in Web 2.0?
Characters in Web 2.0 will forever be forged with a username. Individuals from all walks of life assume new identities that are not always based on any physical description associated with the person. Essentially, this allows the individual to hide certain characteristics (both positive and negative) from other users. It is my experience that usernames have greater sentimental value than anything else.
However, ultimately if the member is around long enough, they become in a sense no longer a character but rather an extension of their real-life selves. The created persona is no longer there and all that’s left is the perception of the views that they are putting forth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)