Louisa-thesis outline: Difference between revisions

From XPUB & Lens-Based wiki
Line 148: Line 148:


===Games===
===Games===
Blast Theory. (2003). ''Can you see me now?'', Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Blast Theory. (2003). ''Can you see me now?''. Rotterdam, The Netherlands.


Kihara, T. (2018). ''Escape the Smart City'', Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Kihara, T. (2018). ''Escape the Smart City''. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.


Groothuizen, R. (2021). ''I want to delete it all, but not now'', Enschede, The Netherlands.
Groothuizen, R. (2021). ''I want to delete it all, but not now''. Enschede, The Netherlands.


==Further Reading==
==Further Reading==

Revision as of 23:56, 21 November 2021

Draft, 22nd November 2021.

Research Question

How can I suggest alternate ways of urban behaviour in an industrial playground like Rotterdam, moving people to play instead of be played?

Abstract

[150-200 words]

In this thesis I will document the process of building a location-based, pervasive game. The topic revolves around personalised, location-based targeted content under the veil of ludification. By analysing novelty game formats like alternate reality- and escape games, and connecting them to methods of targeted advertisement, I am starting a networked narrative through augmentation and modification of physical spaces.

Introduction

[500 words]

Frustrating experience as child of telling reality and dreams apart, core interest in making people doubt if something is real or part of a fiction to feel less isolated in experience. Sleepwalking: being able to move around in a real space without too much issues since the geographical markers are the same, sharing the same space. Creating games in order to activate people and change their state of mind and experience of their environment. Looking closely, everything could be a potential hint. Building on research of text-adventures and targeted advertisement. Making use of the group present and the things everyone could contribute to the game experience instead of making them passive spectators of a work.

Chapter 1: Navigating Invisible Borders

[1200 words]

In this chapter I am researching methods game makers as well as advertisers are commonly using to herd user movement to desired areas.

Invisible Borders

Focussing on video game techniques to hide the map borders, integrating limits of map and unreachable areas as part of storyline.

In XR, geographical markers are translated into fictional environment to make sure players are not walking against walls or outside of playing field, like a wall appearing as a scary abyss.

Can You See Me Now? - Blast Theory, 2001


   “A crucial feature of Blast Theory projects is the ability to extend user and audience affect outside the game - rather than delimiting our consciousness to the stereotypical and virtual, the gameplay pushes us to understand aspects of ourselves, our communities and social responsibility. This is partially achieved by the very visceral gameplay - in CYSMN? the players and gameplay self-generate affects of pursuers and pursued. ... It was encouraging to see Blast Theory awarded the Prix Ars Electronica Golden Nica, which has in the past lauded some commercial, apolitical projects.[1]”

Geofencing

Researching this methods and political motivation behind its application.

Chapter 2: Take a Leap in the Dark

[2000 words]


Bright Screens & Dark Patterns

"Types of Dark Patterns

❃Bait and Switch.

❃Disguised Ads.

❃Forced Continuity.

❃Friend Spam.

❃Hidden Costs.

❃Misdirection.

❃Price Comparison Prevention.

❃Privacy Zuckering."


Interactive Fiction meets Surveillance Capitalism:

Surveillance Capitalism spilling into the city streets, leading you to where the algorithm thinks you should be going.

Chapter 3: The Game

[2600 words]

In this chapter I will document the process of building a location-based game, reviewing tests and adapting design choices. Am I choosing the right locations and methods in order to support the narrative?

pre-game

Forming a progressive storyline

How could geographical markers like coordidates connect alternate, fictive spaces. Playing the game should result in subtle changes in public spaces of city and the game should adapt to the way its being played.

Creating a visual language and communication methods

Play Tests

Documentation and analysis.

EtherAxis

28th November + 5th December

The Overkill Festival

EtherAxis Game board, photographed by Emilia Tapprest
Development Week TETEM

January or March

TETEM

in-game

Documentation of actual Gameplay.

post-game

Analysis. I am planning to review the different game methods I have tested and applied and in what ways they have supported the progression of the narrative through lived experience. Based on the results of this analysis I will suggest areas of improvement and propose a future set-up of the game.

Conclusion

[500 words]

Based on my research on methods of location-based advertisement, I will formulate my vision of its potential and dangers, picturing a ludified smart city and celebrating ways of dancing on the structures of its system.

Bibliography

Books

Huizinga, Johan (1955). Homo Ludens: a Study of the Play-Element in Culture. Boston, MA: The Beacon Press.

Turkle, S. (1996). Life on the Screen: Identity in the Age of the Internet. London: Weidenfeld & Nicholson.

Aarseth, E.J. (1997). Cybertext: Perspectives on Ergodic Literature. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Szulborski, D. (2005). This is Not a Game: A Guide to Alternate Reality Gaming. Pennsylvania: New-Fiction Pub.

Eyal, N & Hoover, R. (2014). Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products. Penguin Books Ltd.

Zuboff, S. (2019). The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for the Future at the New Frontier of Power. London: Profile Books.

Hoffman, D.D. (2019). The Case Against Reality: How Evolution Hid the Truth From Our Eyes. United States of America: W.W. Norton & Company.

Web Articles

[1] Blast Theory. (n.d.). Can You See Me Now? [online] Available at: https://www.blasttheory.co.uk/projects/can-you-see-me-now/.

Play to Earn. (n.d.). Blockchain Gaming Archives. [online] Available at: https://www.playtoearn.online/category/blockchain-gaming/ [Accessed 21 Nov. 2021].

from, D. (2019). What is geo-fencing (geofencing)? - Definition from WhatIs.com. [online] WhatIs.com. Available at: https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/geofencing.

Arushi Jaiswal (2018). Dark patterns in UX: how designers should be responsible for their actions. [online] Medium. Available at: https://uxdesign.cc/dark-patterns-in-ux-design-7009a83b233c.

Games

Blast Theory. (2003). Can you see me now?. Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Kihara, T. (2018). Escape the Smart City. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Groothuizen, R. (2021). I want to delete it all, but not now. Enschede, The Netherlands.

Further Reading

Mazes & Monsters by Rona Jaffe

Mazes & Monsters by Rona Jaffe

Appendix

Game Narrative

I would like to attach the written narrative of the game I built here for further reading.