Scars, Tattoos, and History: Video Game Flesh as Memory
Video games present memory and the passage of time in many ways. While earlier games relied on timers and level progression to account for time and history, many newer games use game logs, diaries, and other mnemonic devices. Still other games use memory systems that relate to character development as in Planescape.s Torment, where the character must tattoo his knowledge on himself in much the same manner as it occurs in Memento. Similarly, the game Fatal Frame uses the markings of physical violence to show the passage of time and to illustrate how the character is changing throughout the game. This presentation investigates the manner in which video games use physical markings as part of larger mnemonic systems and the effects of this usage.
Presentation Slides
Notes
take in doppelganger or save device angles Many video game characters are defined primarily by their physical size and shape, while others are marked by particular colors. The basic criteria for video game character recognition allows for the easy presentation of doppelgangers who rely on the physical size and shape while altering the color scheme.
Media for saving in games, typewriters, cds, computers, ships logs, body