This is a machinima of a fan fiction written about the Half-life 2 story.
Pretty funny.
A few questions about this/machinimas:
1. Does the ability to create a machinima mean that games are creative tools?
(in this instance gmod is the tool used to create the video along with screen capture software, video editing software, etc)
2. Would you be more likely to buy or play a game where you would have this "sandbox" type gameplay separate from the actual story or narrative of the game?
3. Would you have fun playing gmod?
more serious construction:
(might want to turn off the sound)
bonus clip
I think you can definitely see a game as a creative tool. We all know that sandbox is just a manly way of saying 'dollhouse time.'
ReplyDeleteI think it's becoming more commonplace for games to give you some sort of leverage in making user-generated content, like Starcraft 2 and Little Big Planet custom maps. But those examples still work within the parameters of the rules, just different ones.
For some reason, i'm thinking a lot about the Document of Metal Gear Solid 2. It's a PS2 game, technically, but it's a dynamic documentary. It allows you to go into the cinematic parts of MGS2 and break down the elements of those scenes by playing, pausing, reversing, or shifting around. It breaks the illusion of reality that the cinematics create in MGS2 in the same way that Gmod breaks down Valve games. For example, when the main character, Snake, looks out the window of the tanker, it's actually another model of himself and not a reflection looking back at him. There is also another model of himself below the translucent floor rather than a reflection. I also learned that only pieces of the world exist when you can see it. Other parts completely disappear. This may be a 'duh' moment for most of you, but when I was a little kid, it blew my mind.
Gmod is really fun. But that fun, especially with sandbox freedom, must come from the player. It's all in perception and intent.
My personal favorite Gmod Youtube guy is R33MIX.