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Before the Law and Before Gaming: Kafka, Players, and Avatars
Kafka's "Before the Law" offers a new lens for meditating on the relationships between avatars, bosses, developers, and players in gaming.
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 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 9: Returnal
A round-table, time-cycle podcast discussion of the new flagship PS5 title, Returnal.
News
Press X to Scream: Join With a Terrible Fate at PAX East 2019!
What makes your favorite video-game horror stories tick? Join us at PAX East, this Saturday at 9pm in Arachnid Theatre, to find out.
A Comprehensive Theory of EarthBound
The Drawing Board: What is a “Comprehensive Theory” of a Video Game?
On our latest podcast episode, we chat with two of our team members who are developing "comprehensive theories" of landmark video games.
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Not Just Monika: Sadistic Horror in Doki Doki Literature Club
Think the horror of Doki Doki Literature Club is a simple case of breaking the fourth wall? Look closer.
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More Than Just a Game: The Mental Techniques of Advanced Melee Players
Melee champions depend more on mindfulness and empathy than on wave dashes.
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Press ‘A’ to Marry: The Narrative Value of Romance in Rune Factory 4
There's more value to in-game relationships than stereotypes suggest.