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Despite their societal notions of having whimsical, frivolous characteristics, many video games contain, or have the ability to contain, underlying critical implications. While some video games, like The Last of Us (2013), Detroit Become Human (2018), and Mouthwashing (2024), offer more explicit commentaries on societal concepts, other iconic franchise titles, like New Super Mario Bros…

This week, I worked extensively on my Hack #2. In my previous flog, I stated that I wanted to create a ROM hack for this project. Luckily, with a bit of technological finagling, I was able to use ROM hacking software to work on my project. I have a Mac computer, so I initially thought…

This week, we discussed a lot about critical play and “reskinning.” We thought a lot about how games and other forms of entertainment can be reimagined in ways that critique systems of oppression, injustice, and inequity. I really enjoyed this week because of the first hand examples that we participated in. Through playing Werewolf and…

This week, I worked on my Makey Makey project. I had a difficult time going through with ideas as certain things that I wanted to do didn’t work out quite right. For instance, one of my ideas was to map a piano keyboard to play drum sounds. I had to forgo this idea as my…

For my Hack #1, I used the Makey Makey to challenge the inherent functions and uses of musical instruments. As a society, we are taught that many objects, especially instruments, have a sole function and purpose, and that they should only be used in that specific way. Chairs are meant for sitting, wheels are meant…

This week, we looked at two readings by Huizinga and Caillois on the definitions and cultural significance of play. I particularly enjoyed these readings as talking about play and fun on an academic level proved to be more provocative than in casual, every-day life settings. We don’t often think about fun and playing unless it…