Culture: Games and Metaphor is, very simply, superb. My only problem is its tired insistence that the Wiimote will magically improve things. A very odd supposition, as the author stressed metaphor, yet the Wiimote is far more literal (at least, when used intuitively) than the as-abstract-as-it-gets buttons on a gamepad. Even the example used of the Wiimote in Castlevania: what’s less metaphorical than holding a whip and swinging it at the screen? Furthermore, the more literal use of the Wiimote (argued by others to be its benefit!) almost requires a more literal player-centered perspective on the game world, i.e. FPS, the thing that the author complains about immediately proceeding the Castlevania comments.
Beyond those few errs, the article perfectly hits home the metaphor point. Particularly the discussion of Shadow of the Colossus, the most succinct explanation of that game as art.
Here’s an interesting article on genre from the Escapist that lead me to make this note in my notebook: “Genres help eliminate unnecessary exposition, they provide a known context for author and audience. Genre is economy.” And by “economy” I meant that genres are an efficient mechanism to reduce the overall information burden on the user (just like metaphors!). They help the user “chunk” across content in a given medium (and even across mediums).
Also, in regards to games being “representational,” the article points to a problem with more realistic looking games… the higher quality, “realer” representation implies to the user a higher fidelity interaction (which never scales as quickly). That’s why old school games feel “right” … their representation equals their interaction.
Decent article, but this quote bothered me:
“Again, metaphors are a Band-Aid. They’re used to get the idea across because – for whatever reason – there’s no way to show it literally.”
I’d argue that there’s no reason to show “it” literally. As a traditional storyteller, I can tell you that conveying an idea in a metaphoric sense is far more powerful than explicitly stating it.
You’re spot on about genre, though. While it’s tempting to rebel against genre, it can be a very useful tool as well. We had some excellent posts that touched on genre for a Round Table on Conventions last September (link).
I would agree with you, Corvus. I most heartily agree that metaphors are very powerful, and to limit them to situations where they act as “Band-Aids” is to limit oneself unnecessarily.
I use metaphors extensively when explaining almost anything (sometimes too often), as I personally find casting almost any situation in terms of various metaphors useful in opening new perspectives.
Thanks for reading and commenting!