I know how Tim Carter feels. When I tell some people that punk rock saved my life, I get funny looks too. In his documentary about Counter-Strike (Sierra, 2000), Carter tries to make a connection between videogames and martial arts. I think he fails at this, but he […]
I’ve managed to climb down the scaffolding in the pouring rain and get to an open window. It leads to a kitchen, and from there I hear voices: it’s the cleaners, or rather the hired killers masquerading as cleaners who have been dogging my every step. They’re watching […]
Problem-solving is fun! I learned this lesson not from my teachers, not from a book, but from computer games. Specifically, from text adventure games like Zork, Lurking Horror and Leather Goddesses of Phobos. Typing in commands like “go north,” “take candy,” “ask sam about instrument,” allowed you to […]
Wargames are huge and always have been. If you think the latest videogames are anything new, think chess. Think toy soldiers. They’re fun, they’re violent, and they have a moralistic narrative frame that makes them palatable to most political persuasions. Not mine, however. I’d always prefer to be […]
I love to dance. This always seems to come as a surprise to people, me with my big gangly 6’3″ frame and all, but I quickly qualify: “Oh, I’m not good at dancing — I just love to dance.” It all started at a grade seven school mixer […]
Two ravers are discussing how ridiculous it is that videogames are blamed for inciting killing sprees. “Yeah,” one says to the other. “We grew up playing Pac-Man, and it’s not like we’re running around in the dark, popping pills, and listening to repetitive electronic music.” This internet joke […]
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The Cultural Gutter 