Tuesday 16 January, 2018

Today I started Firewatch and played for about two hours. I really wasn't sure what to expect from it and knew very little about the game. However, just from the intro part where it tells you the back story of the game I could tell it would be one that draws on your emotions. So far my prediction seems to be right. There's a feeling of loneliness you get while exploring the forest, broken by calls on the radio. I spent a good amount of time exploring the world whenever I traveled to a new area so I progressed kind of slowly. I found it surprising how fast I felt connected to the voice on the other side of the radio, Delilah. I think this is because talking to her is the only interaction you get in the game. I'm excited to see how the story develops and what happens between the characters.

Good work Dylan! I like how reflected on how each part of the game made you feel while playing as opposed to merely summarizing these themes or plot points. One ethical question to consider is what are the moral implications of game developers “playing with your emotions?” How does the game justify, or not justify, an ending that chooses to pull you away from someone you have created an emotional connection with?

Clay