EJSmall

Contributing writer for The Artifice.

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    Latest Articles

    Latest Topics

    3
    Published

    The Age of the Observer

    YouTube has become increasingly popular, almost like a "new TV" for younger demographics. On the platform, one can see a trend starting to happen where viewers want to watch other peoples' lives through their vlogs and other content, such as unboxing videos and tutorials that the viewer never does but enjoys watching anyway. I call this "The Age of the Observer." This article would explore why this phenomenon is happening and explore just what kinds of videos people are watching. Some examples of channels creating this content would be Ryan ToysReview, both Jake and Logan Paul (where children vicariously live and envy the brother's mansions, cars, clothes, etc.), and Jenna Marbles and Julien Solomita (especially with Jenna's DIY videos and Julien's cooking videos).

    • This is a really good topic to talk about, especially now that there is a lawsuit against YT from the LGBT community. Perhaps you could talk about the lawsuit and how YT is promoting creators that fit their "algorithim," despite being advertised as a platform for all. – Link 5 years ago
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    • Very relevant topic. Though I am not familiar with the examples of the channels you want to use. – AnnaRay 4 years ago
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    Exploitative Explosion: The Game

    This article would delve into the notion of exploitative game design. For example, game devs will make virtual products that can be bought with real world money (such as gems, crates, keys, etc.), yet these products have no actual value. Basically, the prices of these products are arbitrary, being made up based on the developers' whims.

    App games are notorious for such practices, trying to incentivize the player with the need to buy these products to get further in the game in terms of buying more time or status/rank. I mean, who wouldn't want another chance to beat that insanely hard Candy Crush level or get that one super OP weapon/character in an RPG?

    Do you think this is okay ethically? Does there need to be legal action? How can people be made aware, or do they know and just don't care if they're being exploited?

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      Monsters that Make Us Think

      Within video games, we've met a whole host of monsters/villains, whether they are an individual consumed by a need for wealth, a mythical beast with an attitude, or a good guy turned bad. For this topic, one could come up with a list of monsters/villains that really made them think. Maybe it was a villain who actually had a point about his motivations to destroy a corporation, or a monster that was so vile and disgusting that we couldn't fathom how they came into existence.

      This article would likely focus on the morality and ethics of villains, as well as concepts to do with storytelling, backstory, and motivation.

      • I think this is a very interesting topic! Though I do not think it needs to be limited to video games if someone wanted to grab it. Whether its video games, literature, television, or film, there is plenty of fuel for this topic across all genres. – Sean Gadus 5 years ago
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      Latest Comments

      I completely agree with you, Eden! I’m actually going to take up embroidery myself, because I’ve always loved hand sewing and like the idea of putting a part of yourself into your own clothing. Thanks for reading!

      Craft-Mageddon: The Explosion of DIY Culture

      Very interesting and hot topic! Personally, I do find myself drawn to cinematic games because of my own passion for films and interactive storytelling. Even looking at the popularity of series from Telltale (The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us), as well as Life is Strange from Dontnod and Square Enix, show how well these cinematic games are received by the gaming community.

      However, not every game needs a story or cinematic quality. At all. That’s the beauty of narrative design. Think about Mario, for instance. There’s no real story – just the simple fact that Mario wants to save Princess Peach from Bowser. That’s it. No crazy cinematics or in-depth storytelling. The games were and still are incredibly popular.

      And that’s the thing about games. If you want to make a cinematic, narrative-driven game, you can. Or you can make a simple, yet lovable platformer that many enjoy for its level design and mechanics.

      Cinematic Games: Video Games and the Shadow of Cinema

      Your article was wonderful. I truly enjoyed delving back into the themes of this beautiful anime about what it means to have emotions. By finding her own emotions through others during her various journeys, she seems to demonstrate Cooley’s “Looking Glass Self.” The LGS is defined as where we find our own self through the interpersonal interactions we have with others.

      In addition, the art style, soundtrack, and humour of the show all work in harmony to create a beautiful story that has touched the hearts of many.

      Violet Evergarden: Learning Empathy and The Lost Art of Letters

      It is quite true that most entertainment media nowadays focuses on revenge, such as Game of Thrones (as you have pointed out) and The Walking Dead – both very popular shows. It does seem to be a subconscious desire, so by watching these TV series viewers seek to feed their own hidden wants for vengeance.

      Revenge is generally seen as “an eye for an eye,” but that thinking only perpetuates a cycle of violence and hate, leaving no room for mercy and reconciliation. However, every situation is different and it is up to our own morals and ethics whether we can find it in our character to forgive someone for a heinous action.

      Revenge in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones