Confession time. I bought the Hunie Sakura Humble Bundle. Patently I did it because I wanted to try out a classic dating sim. I have been watching Gamers! and the protagonist is really into them and it got me thinking. I have never really played through one.
As I am playing through one I was wondering if I should even review it, for several reasons, but one that got me thinking is what I am playing even a game. Yes, I am clicking with my mouse but it's hardly more interactive than that. In fact, in the one I am currently working through there is an auto function that will take care of the clicking command for you. In about 2 hours of "playing", I have only made one decision. I could catch this girl or let her fall and that was it. Other than that it is all text so far.
Merriam-Webster defines video games as an electronic game played by means of images on a video screen and often emphasizing fast action.(merriam-webster.com) In an article I have already covered by John Hopson I am going to agree games need contingencies. Contingencies are a future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty. (This is a google dictionary definition but I have no idea how to fucking site this thing.) Contingencies are to me what separates a program like Word with that of a game. Taking this all in mind I will say that the very basic criteria to be a video game are an interaction on an electronic device with the future possibility of reward that is expected but somewhat uncertain.
When clicking through a perverse story that was made by what can only be a perverted fifteen year old (or me drunk) with really great drawing abilities I do have to say I am playing a game. Just barely a game. I think I am on the very edge of my definition because I did have to make a decision at one point. If that decision did not exist I would argue that I am not playing a game but more clicking through a graphic novel.
There is also contingency in this game. While I am sure I have a good idea of the outcome of the game there is still a level of uncertainty. Overcoming that uncertainty by making a few choices and then being rewarded with the knowledge of the outcome fits the basic definition.
I have to play devil's advocate with myself here because I feel I am walking a fine line. I think the first argument that I would put up to myself is, given my definition of basic criterea of what a video game is, wouldn't reading a book on your computer be considered a game? I will say no on the simple basis that you are not making any decisions that could any way impact the story. While you are interacting with the page by turning them, there is never a contingency in the book that you have a direct impact on. While a lot choices in games do not necessary impact the overall outcome of the game their is that interaction and perception on causing an impact.
This dating sim is a very basic interaction with images on a video screen but it is an interaction. There is a reward to my behavior and although I am sure Tumblr would have a few things to say to me about the type of reward I am getting, it is still a reward for my actions. Whether it is a good game or not is whole other topic.
So long story short there is a good chance I am going to be reviewing some dating sims.
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