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.
All Articles
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 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.
All Articles
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 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.
A Comprehensive Theory of EarthBound
Why EarthBound’s Flavor Text Tastes So Good
The flavor text of EarthBound tells a story you may have missed.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 9: Returnal
A round-table, time-cycle podcast discussion of the new flagship PS5 title, Returnal.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 8: Playing the Pandemic
An exploration of pandemic-oriented video-game storytelling with guest Arno Görgen, plus a discussion of E3 highlights.
Podcast
With a Terrible Fate Podcast Episode 7: Too Long to Beat
Discussion of Aaron Suduiko's "Final Fantasy VII Remake is the Template for 'Grown-Up' JRPGs," plus Resident Evil and mute buttons.