{"id":14,"date":"2024-10-09T20:26:05","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T20:26:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/jb19g23\/?p=14"},"modified":"2025-02-20T23:51:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T23:51:05","slug":"weekly-blog-posts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.wsagames.com\/jb19g23\/2024\/10\/09\/weekly-blog-posts\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 1 Blog Post"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Logline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I have an initial concept for a game that involves a ‘Jazzy platformer music festival.’ It’s similar to games like ‘Geometry Dash’ or ‘Dance Dance Revolution’, where players press inputs at the right time to progress through levels that align with the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What sets my concept apart is the inclusion of branching pathways. The inputs a player uses would directly interact with the song that is playing, so choosing a different path would lead to a different musical experience. For example, the more difficult path could feature smooth saxophone solos, while the easier path would follow a standard drum or instrumental piano beat. Additionally, the game could be connected to input devices like an electric piano, which could help players learn to play the instrument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of the game’s setting, I envision that the difficulty of the level could determine the setting. Easier levels might take place in small jazz clubs or pubs, while more challenging levels could lead to opening for certain acts and eventually performing in sold-out shows and stadiums. Access to these levels could be determined by a player’s ‘score’ or ‘fame’, based on the paths they choose. This means that if a player doesn’t push themselves to take the harder pathways, they may not be able to progress to the next venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, the inclusion of alternate pathways and interactive music would keep players engaged with the game. The open-ended nature of the concept could even allow for custom tracks to be available, enabling players to create their own levels in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Essential Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The concept of essential experience in art revolves around capturing the fundamental essence of a game or idea. For instance, the experience of strolling through a museum can be characterized as calm, unhurried, and enlightening. This essential experience is crucial for artists as it enables them to convey their intended messages through their art. A deeper understanding of this concept empowers artists to effectively communicate their messages and guide viewers toward their underlying intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A prime example of an art piece that embodies a powerful experience is “Untitled” (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres. This conceptual artwork, created in 1991, serves as a tribute to the artist’s partner, Ross Laycock, while also addressing the AIDS crisis. It comprises a pile of individually wrapped candies, often displayed in a gallery setting, inviting viewers to take a piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By linking the interactive nature of \u201cUntitled\u201d (Portrait of Ross in L.A.) to the essential experiences of the AIDS crisis, we can discern how Gonzalez-Torres not only commemorates his partner but also addresses the broader communal grief, resilience, and the urgent need for recognition within the LGBTQ+ community. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined personal and political aspects of the crisis, making it a significant contribution to the ongoing discourse on love, loss, and memory in the face of societal neglect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Autobiographical games<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are games that deviate from the traditional ‘win\/lose’ style, providing players with a deeper connection to the characters they control. A prime example is “Before Your Eyes,” a VR game that leverages eye-tracking technology centered around the player’s blinking. In this game, players guide a character through pivotal life events, from childhood to adulthood, interacting with the character’s memories and making decisions that influence their emotional journey. The game masterfully instills a sense of urgency and nostalgia, as each blink propels the player further in time, with the exact duration remaining unknown. This prompts players to appreciate the fleeting nature of memories that can only be experienced once. This design choice fully immerses players in the character’s perspective and beautifully captures the essence of time and memory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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