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Mechanical Marrow: The Strength of Simple Games

[Originally posted on PopMatters] Early this month, Ben Serviss wrote about the effective subtext inParticle Mace (”Particle Mace: The Space Game About Selflessness.” Dash Jump. Jan 9 2014.). In his article, Serviss argues that in being simplified to a single mechanic (avoid environmental dangers), Particle Mace emphasizes an awareness of the game’s environment, not on the player’s avatar, and … Continue reading Mechanical Marrow: The Strength of Simple Games

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Plural Protagonism Part 8: Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive

For those new to the series, plural protagonism is based on this article I wrote for PopMatters. Plural protagonism occurs in a game when there is no individual main protagonist leading a group: the group itself becomes the hero. Each individual maintains their identity while contributing to the narrative in equal measure. Moreover, they are … Continue reading Plural Protagonism Part 8: Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive

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The Gamer’s Dressing Room

[Originally posted on Game Church] In 1732, Jonathan Swift published a poem called “The Lady’s Dressing Room” about man named Strephon snooping through his lover Celia’s room. Swift opens the poem by telling the reader that after five hours of preparation Celia’s beauty is equal to a goddess’s. Understandably, the love-struck Strephon is excited to take … Continue reading The Gamer’s Dressing Room

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Thoughts on Games Writing and Community Involvement

Somewhere around the cusp of November-December my one hundredth article of videogame criticism was posted on PopMatters. Shortly after, my fiftieth blog post of videogame/pop culture criticism on this website posted (not including housekeeping stuff). If you look at my Published Work page and read some of my earlier work you’ll see what editors call … Continue reading Thoughts on Games Writing and Community Involvement