Video Games as Digital Literature

Interactive fiction, including games, are e-literature because they are capable of having narrative and other literary qualities. Early example like Adventure or Zork had narratives that were driven by the player's input. I really liked how the author from The Conversation described video games as literature. Ultimately, video games and other narrative media are the same, the only difference is that video games give the illusion that you as the player are driving the narrative forward, when really, it is already pre-determined and lined up. In this sense, video games are not so different from novels. However, it is important to note that games can differ in the amount of narrative they have. Some forms of interactive fiction are more focused on the actual solving of puzzles while others are meant to be experienced. For example, Photopia is a game where the player interacts with characters to progress a storyline. In addition to the main story line, there are side stories labeled with a different colored text. I think that games are a form of e-lit depending on the level of story that is involved. As the player, we get to experience these stories and are given the illusion that it is under control. Even in puzzle games, you could argue that they are literature because there is a goal and a sequence of events that leads to it. 

In Galatea, you as the interactor speak with a marble statue in order to learn its backstory. Through careful dialogue, you can learn more and more about it. However, part of what makes it so interesting is the many different possible endings depending on the words chosen. This IF is really cool because you can as the statue random things and you never know what she will reply with. It is fun to get creative with questions and actions. Each time you do ask something or do something you learn more about the statue. 

Comments

  1. Sky RousseauFebruary 28, 2023 at 8:42 AM

    I love your initial description of interactive fiction, I think you worded it perfectly with so much directness and simplicity. I thought all of your points were laid out very nicely, and everything you said was thoughtful and none of it was filler, every sentence was engaging and taught the reader something new. You covered a lot of points and described everything very well. Can't wait to hear more in class!

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