This was a thought provoked by Mass Effect 2, as you may expect.
Throughout the course of Mass Effect 2 we come across Harbinger, or rather, Harbinger's possessed minions. These minions are stronger, more powerful, and more daring then their comrades. We know this is because Harbinger takes direct control of a shell and uses it as a tool to further is means. This led me to a thought:
Are gamers the same?
In games we, the gamers, assume direct control of a shell in a world and bend it to our will. We control the aspects of this being as we see fit. But that is not all. When we possess a person they seem to become stronger, smarter, and more daring then the other beings in their realm. The people or persons we control are superior in almost every way to the vast majority of their allies and enemies.
Going back to Mass Effect 2, think about Shepard. We control him or her and change the course of history. Shepard becomes an unstoppable force that none can mess with casually. And Mass Effect is not the only game where this is seen. Pick any game and the chances are that the protagonist controlled by a gamer is a force to be reckoned with. They are faster or tougher or smarter or all of the above then nearly all forces they come across.
Of course, our mortal puppets are weak during cutscenes, and they can fail during gameplay as well. But that is why we can change time itself to go back and rectify our mistakes. Even so, our goals are almost always completed to satisfaction, we are content with out job being done and leave the game world to its own devices again.
So, members of the Escapist: Are we C'thulhu?
Throughout the course of Mass Effect 2 we come across Harbinger, or rather, Harbinger's possessed minions. These minions are stronger, more powerful, and more daring then their comrades. We know this is because Harbinger takes direct control of a shell and uses it as a tool to further is means. This led me to a thought:
Are gamers the same?
In games we, the gamers, assume direct control of a shell in a world and bend it to our will. We control the aspects of this being as we see fit. But that is not all. When we possess a person they seem to become stronger, smarter, and more daring then the other beings in their realm. The people or persons we control are superior in almost every way to the vast majority of their allies and enemies.
Going back to Mass Effect 2, think about Shepard. We control him or her and change the course of history. Shepard becomes an unstoppable force that none can mess with casually. And Mass Effect is not the only game where this is seen. Pick any game and the chances are that the protagonist controlled by a gamer is a force to be reckoned with. They are faster or tougher or smarter or all of the above then nearly all forces they come across.
Of course, our mortal puppets are weak during cutscenes, and they can fail during gameplay as well. But that is why we can change time itself to go back and rectify our mistakes. Even so, our goals are almost always completed to satisfaction, we are content with out job being done and leave the game world to its own devices again.
So, members of the Escapist: Are we C'thulhu?