Tuesday 16 January, 2018

I am technically not playing this game for the first time, but its been over a year since I first and last played it, and that was only for a very short amount of time (roughly 40 minutes according to steam). So, I am essentially seeing the game through fresh eyes.

In class we had a discussion on where ethics intersect games, and some of the topics brought up included forcing the player to do an unethical act or choose between a couple things which they do not agree with or want to do in order to proceed. While this game has something that some people would not agree with in just the opening tutorial, and that is having to build an execution chamber and execute an inmate, rather than keeping them imprisoned for life. I agree that there are over the top cases in the same vein in some games, but I believe that not all content is made for everyone. In the case of this game I believe it is well within the bounds of what should be expected when purchasing this game, because it is your responsibility to be an informed consumer, and this game appears to be fairly straight forward in its self representation on steam.

The first chapter was pretty tutorial heavy, so I didn't particularly get to see the meat of the game, hopefully it will pick up quicker in the next couple of chapters, but my assumption is that the whole campaign section is just an extended tutorial for the sand box mode.

Nice job Michael! In the 2nd paragraph you write that the game forces “the player to do an unethical act or choose between a couple things which they do not agree with or want to do in order to proceed.” Consider why the acts in the game are unethical and why players may support or condone these acts (for example, the act of executing a prisoner versus imprisonment for life)? Additionally, try to give yourself more time to play the game so that you may be less tired and can reflect more on the gameplay you just experienced.

Clay