The Focus on Identity vs Game

The Focus on Identity vs Game

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 14th Jan 2017

Come elections and the media with its sponsored Bhakts put full efforts on their own game, which is to hype identities. This is even where there Netas are already branded as people who would go on foreign jaunts at the drop of the hat, that is; and this may true for nearly all Netas, now-a-days. The game of the Netas seems to enjoy little focus and no commercial news media worth its salt is willing to evaluate actual achievements of Netas vis-à-vis promises on the party manifestos of yesteryears. This is because the fear of persecution by the Neta-bureaucrat-goonda nexus seems too overpowering and conducting such ‘shows’ without the participation of the Netas would perhaps not give such channels and other news media enough credibility hype or sponsorship, perhaps. Also, questions remain that what’s in it for the journo and media barons and therefore such vested interests push the commercial news media towards what is does best which is being a one-to-many communications medium, one way that is.

It therefore behooves on ‘social media’ to keep many-to-many and two way communications channel to be kept flickering. This is even as key commercial news media would keep spending top dollar to fend ‘social media’ and de-legitimize whatever interests that may have been gained by it. Such a battle is made tricky in electoral scenarios especially ones like the present situation which are widely believed to be quite tricky, especially as they concerns the largest state with large stakes. That none of the Netas seem to be in answering mode is quite obvious, but why is the commercial news media hyping their quest for identity politics also needs to be understood. Some of the small localized channels might be some exception to this as they may be raising pointed specific questions in there debates for the ground level netas. Though such debates may still be largely anecdotal with little data being discussed, but it is definitely a break from those on the mainline media. It is however the impact that needs to be seen and won’t be surprised if the media output of channels starts to be part of some of the canvassing video-vans and an aid to popularize these channels amongst an increasingly ‘game’ audience.

While the complex inter-linkages in governance measures regards policy decisions and how it cascades into impact on various sub-sections of the society, might still be a bit complicated to the larger masses. However those in the commercial news media almost always ensure that such complexities are either not discussed or if discussed, there should be a large room for enough confusions. This is to ensure the Netas have enough elbow room to wriggle out of the situations, at least in the discussions even if not on real electoral battlefield. However the new channels and journos searching for ‘new deal’ would manage to find a way for themselves and their respective media/channels seem to be attempting to break at least some of these complex silos and unthreaded pathways. While this may be ushering in new ideas, however taking them to ground level ordinary voters may require somewhat greater push and some Netas taking more conscious and learned stand including making apparent all the subtle aspects of policies being pursued including promise to measure deliveries in line rather than suffice the same with rhetoric. However our current situation is that the Netas do not want to get bogged down with issues provided such a chance can be afforded, and ride on an identity plank thus evading answers; and this is actively supported by the commercial news media which also continues to harp about media's independence rather than its huge dependace on money. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve further…..

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The Focus on Identity vs. Game: A New Paradigm in Digital Entertainment​

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entertainment, a new debate has emerged: the focus on identity versus the focus on the game itself. This discussion challenges traditional notions of what makes a game engaging and what truly defines the player’s experience. As game developers and players alike grapple with these concepts, the industry is at a crossroads, where the lines between player and character, and between gameplay and narrative, are becoming increasingly blurred.

The Traditional Focus on Gameplay​

For decades, the core of game development has been the mechanics and gameplay. This approach emphasizes the player’s interaction with the game world, the challenges they face, and the skills they develop. Classic games like Super Mario Bros., Tetris, and Grand Theft Auto are celebrated for their innovative gameplay, which provides hours of entertainment and replayability. In these games, the player’s identity is often secondary to the mechanics; the character they control is a vessel through which they explore and master the game’s challenges.

The focus on gameplay has several advantages. It ensures that the game remains engaging and challenging, fostering a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as players improve their skills. Furthermore, it allows for a wide range of playstyles and personal experiences, as players can approach the game in different ways and still find enjoyment. However, this approach can also lead to a lack of depth in character development and narrative, which some players find unsatisfying in the long run.

The Rise of Identity-Focused Games​

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward identity-focused games, where the player’s character and their personal story are at the forefront. Games like The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Life is Strange have gained critical acclaim for their deep, emotional narratives and rich character development. In these games, the player’s identity is integral to the experience, and their choices and actions have significant consequences on the story and the world around them.

Identity-focused games often prioritize storytelling and character interactions over pure gameplay mechanics. They aim to create a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience, where the player feels a strong connection to the character they are playing. This approach can lead to more meaningful and memorable gameplay, as players become deeply invested in the outcomes of their decisions and the relationships they form within the game world.

The Blurring Lines: A New Hybrid Approach​

As the industry evolves, a new hybrid approach is emerging, one that seeks to balance the focus on gameplay with the focus on identity. This approach recognizes that both elements are crucial to creating a compelling and engaging game. Games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Horizon Zero Dawn have successfully integrated rich character development and narrative with deep, satisfying gameplay mechanics. These games allow players to explore complex, dynamic worlds while also forming strong emotional connections with the characters they encounter.

This hybrid approach is not without its challenges. Balancing the narrative and gameplay elements can be difficult, and developers must ensure that neither aspect overshadows the other. However, when done well, it can create a more holistic and satisfying experience for players, one that resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level.

The Impact on Player Engagement​

The shift toward identity-focused games has had a significant impact on player engagement. Players are increasingly seeking games that offer more than just a series of challenges; they want to be part of a story that feels personal and meaningful. This has led to a rise in games that offer branching storylines, multiple endings, and player-driven narratives. These elements give players a sense of agency and ownership over their gaming experience, making it more interactive and immersive.

Additionally, the focus on identity has opened up new opportunities for marginalized communities. Games that explore diverse characters and stories can provide representation and validation for players who may not see themselves in traditional gaming narratives. This inclusivity not only enriches the gaming experience but also broadens the audience for these games, making the industry more diverse and dynamic.

The Future of Gaming​

As technology continues to advance, the future of gaming is likely to see an even greater emphasis on identity and narrative. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, in particular, offer the potential to create even more immersive and personalized experiences. In a VR game, for example, the player’s physical actions and presence in the game world can be directly tied to their character, blurring the lines between player and avatar even further.

Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role in this evolution by creating more dynamic and responsive game worlds. AI-driven characters can adapt to the player’s choices and behaviors, making the game feel more alive and interactive. This can lead to a more personalized and engaging experience, where the game world reacts to the player’s unique identity and actions.

Conclusion​

The debate between the focus on identity and the focus on gameplay is a reflection of the broader changes in the gaming industry. As players become more sophisticated and demand more from their gaming experiences, developers must find ways to balance these elements to create games that are both challenging and emotionally resonant. The future of gaming lies in the ability to blend these aspects seamlessly, creating a new paradigm where the player’s identity and the game’s mechanics are equally important. As the industry continues to innovate, we can expect to see more games that push the boundaries of what it means to play and what it means to be a player.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Focus on Identity vs Game

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 14th Jan 2017

Come elections and the media with its sponsored Bhakts put full efforts on their own game, which is to hype identities. This is even where there Netas are already branded as people who would go on foreign jaunts at the drop of the hat, that is; and this may true for nearly all Netas, now-a-days. The game of the Netas seems to enjoy little focus and no commercial news media worth its salt is willing to evaluate actual achievements of Netas vis-à-vis promises on the party manifestos of yesteryears. This is because the fear of persecution by the Neta-bureaucrat-goonda nexus seems too overpowering and conducting such ‘shows’ without the participation of the Netas would perhaps not give such channels and other news media enough credibility hype or sponsorship, perhaps. Also, questions remain that what’s in it for the journo and media barons and therefore such vested interests push the commercial news media towards what is does best which is being a one-to-many communications medium, one way that is.

It therefore behooves on ‘social media’ to keep many-to-many and two way communications channel to be kept flickering. This is even as key commercial news media would keep spending top dollar to fend ‘social media’ and de-legitimize whatever interests that may have been gained by it. Such a battle is made tricky in electoral scenarios especially ones like the present situation which are widely believed to be quite tricky, especially as they concerns the largest state with large stakes. That none of the Netas seem to be in answering mode is quite obvious, but why is the commercial news media hyping their quest for identity politics also needs to be understood. Some of the small localized channels might be some exception to this as they may be raising pointed specific questions in there debates for the ground level netas. Though such debates may still be largely anecdotal with little data being discussed, but it is definitely a break from those on the mainline media. It is however the impact that needs to be seen and won’t be surprised if the media output of channels starts to be part of some of the canvassing video-vans and an aid to popularize these channels amongst an increasingly ‘game’ audience.

While the complex inter-linkages in governance measures regards policy decisions and how it cascades into impact on various sub-sections of the society, might still be a bit complicated to the larger masses. However those in the commercial news media almost always ensure that such complexities are either not discussed or if discussed, there should be a large room for enough confusions. This is to ensure the Netas have enough elbow room to wriggle out of the situations, at least in the discussions even if not on real electoral battlefield. However the new channels and journos searching for ‘new deal’ would manage to find a way for themselves and their respective media/channels seem to be attempting to break at least some of these complex silos and unthreaded pathways. While this may be ushering in new ideas, however taking them to ground level ordinary voters may require somewhat greater push and some Netas taking more conscious and learned stand including making apparent all the subtle aspects of policies being pursued including promise to measure deliveries in line rather than suffice the same with rhetoric. However our current situation is that the Netas do not want to get bogged down with issues provided such a chance can be afforded, and ride on an identity plank thus evading answers; and this is actively supported by the commercial news media which also continues to harp about media's independence rather than its huge dependace on money. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve further…..

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