All Articles
“How Gaming Will Change Humanity as We Know It”: A Reply
A point-by-point rebuttal of Tyler Cowen's article criticizing the ability of video games to have cultural value within a literary canon.
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Critical Review: The Path to Necron as Elenchus in Final Fantasy IX
Where some JRPGs represent philosophical views, Final Fantasy IX tricks its player into actually doing philosophy without even realizing it.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 16: Scarlet Nexus
This week on the podcast: analysis and discussion of Bandai Namco's "brain punk" JRPG, Scarlet Nexus.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 15: Playable Leitmotifs
This week on With a Terrible Fate's podcast: a deep dive into the many ways in which video-game music can tell a story.
News
PAX West 2021: Join With a Terrible Fate for Two Presentations
Join With a Terrible Fate for panels on horror storytelling and video game canons at PAX West 2021, September 3rd-5th.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 14: Maps—Salvation or Sin?
Listen in on a discussion of how maps can interfere with—or improve—the storytelling of your favorite video games.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 13: Into the Mindscape
This week's podcast focuses on mindscapes in video-game fictions, follow-up on the psychoanalytic interpretation of Returnal, and romance in Final Fantasy X.
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Game as Mind: A Psychoanalytic Explanation of Returnal
What's the difference between a psychological story and a story about psychology?
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 12: What to Expect from Steam Deck
This week on the podcast: what the Steam Deck could do for interactive storytelling; Netflix gaming rumors; Super Mario 64 at auction.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 11: EarthBound’s Flavor Text
Enjoy a conversation with Max Gorynski about the latest in his Comprehensive Theory of EarthBound, plus meditations on Nintendo hardware, collectibles, and narrative metagames.