Representing Interpersonal Relationships in Videogame Terms

Sarah Faber

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Chapter 9 Representing Interpersonal Relationships in Videogame Terms

In: Culture at Play: How Video Games Influence and Replicate Our World

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Sarah Faber

Sarah Faber
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 89–100

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004439788_011

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Abstract

The complex nature of human relationships opens up a number of practical and theoretical questions about how meaningful relationships can be implemented in videogames. This paper develops the theory that a game developer’s options can be mapped onto a spectrum, with ‘film-likeness’ at one end of the spectrum and ‘life-likeness’ at the other. Film-likeness is understood as the portrayal of relationships that are strictly scripted and uninfluenced by the player, while “life-likeness”, is understood as the portrayal of relationships that simulate an approximation of the infinite factors of choice and chance found in non-simulated, real-world relationships. A number of mixed approaches fall between these two ends of the spectrum. Regardless of the chosen approach, the technical limitations of videogames always result in a reduction of the chaos and infinite variability we see in real relationships. This may, however, be a medium-specific asset, rather than a problem.

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Culture at Play: How Video Games Influence and Replicate Our World

Series: At the Interface / Probing the Boundaries, Volume: 134

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004439788

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 06 Nov 2020

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Chapter 9 Representing Interpersonal Relationships in Videogame Terms

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Culture at Play: How Video Games Influence and Replicate Our World

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