An interesting take on the role of procedural rherotic (Gaming)

by Cody Miller , Music of the Spheres - Never Forgot, Monday, November 04, 2013, 15:49 (4040 days ago) @ electricpirate

I really like Triad, which serves as an interesting metaphor on the challenges of poly amorous relationships.

The bar must be set really low if a simple Puzzle game is an 'interesting metaphor' for the challenges of polyamorous relationships. This is why I think games academics are horrible thinkers. What is insightful about trying to fit three people onto a bed?

You'd understand the real challenges if you talk to someone in such a relationship for THREE MINUTES over playing that game. Then go play Lup Salad. You'd have a better understanding of human sexuality, AND you'd play a better puzzle game.

2 points. One, is the direct systemic representation of three people sharing spaces designed for two. There's a really simple lesson about the compromises, and frustration that goes along with that buried in that system.

So the point is that it's hard to have a polyamorous relationship? WOW, what an insightful statement right there. Not. If you go on to explore WHY, then you may be on to something. I promise you it's not hard just because you can't share a bed.

Which is the point, games are really good at defining and explaining systems, as it's what they are. Explaining the nuance of a system through words, or diagrams is hard, but a games do it really well.

Games are extremely bad at defining and explaining social systems and emotional complexity.