![]() ![]() ![]() These choices are clearly defined, even highlighted in red or blue, corresponding to the key morality of the decision. In the cases of RPGs like Mass Effect 2 (2010) certain choices can even change the game’s ending. Many of these choices are difficult, influencing the world around the player and the way NPCs (non-playable characters) react to the protagonist. Many of these choices are difficult, influencing… These allow the player to perform actions and make decisions that manipulate the system one way or another. In video games it is usually some kind of built-in morality system that allows players to perform actions and make decisions that ultimately determine their character’s future in the game world. Perhaps the smooth transition from paperback to controller says a lot about what video game audiences are eager to digest. Martin), The Walking Dead (Robert Kirkman), and even Heart of Darkness (Joseph Conrad) have shown how grimdark novels and gaming can blend seamlessly into one. Acclaimed books and series like The Witcher (Andrzej Sapkowski), Metro 20 (Dmitry Glukhovsky), A Song of Ice and Fire (George R.R. It is this same sense of moral ambiguity and self-determination that is becoming central to so many popular video games. Glokta knows Valint and Balk will expect favours of him that will corrupt his role as an Inquisitor, but does it anyway to save the city. For example, Abercrombie’s Inquisitor Glokta attempts to save Dagoska in Before They Are Hanged by getting into bed with the banking house Valint and Balk. In our favorite grimdark novels the main characters make morally ambiguous decisions that affect the outcome of their stories, for better or worse. And a fair share of these games have a horse of their own running in the world of grimdark. To consider them anything less than works of art would be ignorant. You may not be an avid enthusiast, but their contribution to social issues and their aesthetically expressive visuals, storytelling, characters, and worlds are undeniable. From fuming politicians on the morning news to bloggers with an axe to grind, they always have been and always will be a point of contention. Video games are nothing short of a controversial topic within the entertainment industry. ![]() By Jeremy Szal and Layla Cummins – originally published in GdM#3 ![]()
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