Friday, March 30, 2007

Square, Circle, Square, Triangle for God Mode

More fun mixing of 'real' reality and 'cyber' (or game) reality. Aram Bartholl:

The number of online computer game players increases every day. Millions of players explore the virtual worlds in so called MMORPGs Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games like World of Warcraft for example. Every Player creates his own virtual character by choosing an outfit, race and special capabilities. But every players most unique sign for the virtual charackter is the name. The so called nickname is hovering above the head of the players avatar and visible for all other players in the game.

The Installation Speed is a transformation of the big flashing arrows from the computer game “Need for Speed Underground 2, NFSU 2” to real space.

Although computer games always try to imitate the physical world there are always elements, objects and behaviours which only exist in the virtual world.

In the game NFSU 2 the player drives a car through a simulated city. Part of the game is to drive races against opponents in the city. To make the race track more visible big flashing arrows separate the track from the rest of the streets. These arrows have a special semipermeable function. The car of the player bumbs into them and can not cross them. For the “normal” simulated city traffic these arrows have no effect, they are passing right through them.

In "The Sims", one of the most successful computer games of recent years, the player controls a family or other social group through their everyday lives. The welfare of each individual game figure lies in the hands of the player who can switch between characters. Diagrams and bar displays show statements on the condition of the virtual people. Are all their needs gratified? Love, fun, comfort, nutrition, ...
The game takes place in a three-dimensional house which is transparent for the player. When the Sims earn enough money, players can buy new furniture and other objects for them or enlarge the house. The characters have a certain self-sufficiency, though not enough to maintain their well-being.

The daily routine is planned: interests, hobbies, school and work are important components of everyday life. New social relationships are made and nurtured.

"The Sims" reflects our life. It attempts to simulate our complex everyday social life with its various relationships. The reproduction of the green rhombus which hovers as a three-dimensional marking over the head of the active figure transforms the world the Sims into our world.

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