Following last week's article on videogames, I had a discussion with a friend over whether or not the term 'A to B' successfully conveys what I'm trying to say. He argued more that such an image pushes the idea of a linear narrative, a hangover from other art forms that games could, and should, shirk off, and I agree with him. Linear narratives are of course fine, but I suppose it forms a more general idea of how videogames allow one to work through an experience, be it linear narrative or free-form. This point is well illustrated by an online game he linked to me, which really helps elaborate what we're both arguing and so I thought I'd include it on the blog. I won't say much about it, just check it out and have a play around with it. Some of the results are pretty fantastic, and it's a pretty succinct example of how the direct control of a single scenario can be re-interpreted ad nauseum, and how figuring out how to tease out new narratives becomes a game in itself.
(A few people have trouble getting past the start screen, as the game doesn't specify what to do next. Just press 'enter' and the scenario should begin!)
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