Physicality in interactive media is incredibly difficult to define. Is it the physical reaction or the virtual reaction that governs what we call a physical game? The truth is the definition is governed by parameters and rules, which constantly change. Technology is an example of one of those rules. When you think about “gaming” when our grandparents where young a physical game could have been defined quite easily. The process was enacted physically, the calculations where done personally and the results where demonstrated literally. These days the term “physical gaming” has become skewed due to the increase in rules, which contradict the implied meaning of physicality morphing it into something entirely different. At this current time, by logical definition a physical game does not contrive input from anything that can’t be varied physically. This draws the line quite plainly between games you would see on the Wii and a similar game enjoyed on the Xbox or pc. The ‘Tiger Woods’ golf game is an example of a game that demonstrates across mediums, changes from physical to non-physical gameplay. On the Wii, a literal motion determines the input and the input calculated is varied dependent on your relevant individual strength. The same motion enacted out on a control pad on the Xbox, is not relevant because your strength is assumed, the button press acting as a proxy to a parallel real life activity. The latter version cannot be defined as a physical game because the input is not a literal variable; it is a pre-determined function that is derived from an assumption. This assumption removes the player enough for it to be considered “virtual”.

This hypothesis is all under the consideration that the term ”game” is already defined. Which is an entirely different beast, equally as hard to trap.

~Michele
(maths & physics for artists - tutorial)

Explosive Barrels

(Editorial)

In video game design the explosive barrel has become an integral part of the Action/ Adventure genre. The eternally convenient explosive barrel appears whenever it is needed and its spectacle will always attract large crowds of enemies.

The barrel is one of the most prominent video game motifs and sits firmly alongside the coin. Just as a player instantly recognizes the floating collectible and immediately assumes importance in said collectible. The barrel has become an instantly recognizable symbol of a puzzle solution or offensive set piece.

As a gaming trend "the barrel" is currently suffering from harsh and careless saturation. This is due to its transformation from a literal barrel into a symbol of effect. The barrel no longer has any real world relation and is currently failing to serve its initial purpose. Popular design includes the barrel into its puzzle inventory and uses it to both demonstrate and solve environmental problems, in a plausible and understandable way.

Due to this saturation, it now stands as a point of humor, annoyance and more important laziness.

Please leave a comment below if you too are sick of conveniently placed barrels, the trademark of lazy game design or inversely if you still care for those lovable, cylindrical trouble makers.


And just for the record....


To cause a barrel full of gas or petrol to explode 3 things need to occur. Primarily the barrel needs to be penetrated, there needs to be oxygen present (to burn) and there needs to be heat (to ignite the oxygen and burn the gas). If one of these elements isn't present, no explosion will occur.

- bullets made of lead, very rarely create sparks with steel.
- In order to penetrate the barrel it needs to be full of fuel/gas because of the increase in pressure.
- In order for it to burn it needs to be have enough oxygen in it to ignite.

So the elements that create an explosion need to both be present at the same time. Which given the weapon used is impossible. To actually explode a barrel you would need to use incendiary rounds.

Michele
(man that was pointless)