
Sin, Apocalypse, Cash: The Beginner’s Guide - part 3
First let’s take stock of what the game has going for it: Well, this video game-cum-art project certainly manages to come across on the surface as too clever for the “norms”, and frightens them because they think it is (probably) a trap. What underground fan doesn’t like a little bit of projected danger? By almost all critical accounts the game has a few striking visual images worth scrutinizing. The Beginner’s Guide also seems to have a nice air of rebellion about it, since it seems to be designed to sow doubt on the critical establishment. On top of that, like any good horror film, it possibly has one big conceptual flip if we're willing to say that that first screen about audio is worth considering. It also foregrounds the avantgarde ideas of unreliable narrator and updates them a bit for the digital era.
I, at 35, shrug and go “Whatever, man. I know all this shit already. Get your head out of your ass.” But maybe I’m not its audience. Maybe after play-through number three The Beginner’s Guide should make me feel bored and annoyed. Maybe it is so defensive because it needs the freedom to discover these ideas for itself, for its generation.

And maybe, more than a trap, more than conceptual art, more than a cheap trick, more than a failure, maybe, just maybe, The Beginner’s Guide’s is just a really naive and flawed attempt to build room for generations below mine; a true Guidebook for Beginners, a Beginner’s Bible, in the sense that it is trying to Begin Again with a new generation of gamers. This mindset is on clear display when you start to tally the incredible frequency with which the narrator asserts large parts of the game are not made for you-the-audience.
To frame this new perspective on The Beginner’s Guide more specifically, maybe I’m just too old. After all, the creator is about 10 years younger than me, and I certainly went through a world of problems in my mid 20s. Maybe his angst is real. Mine was (even if it seems misguided now). Maybe his fans, younger again than the creator, give him conciliatory blow jobs in convention hotel rooms hoping to cheer him up. Maybe they think he’s smart and serious and deep-as-fuck. I mean, that’s certainly a narrative that is par for the course with most of the other arts from music to theater to painting to poetry.

Maybe, everything else aside, this game is aimed at people who think Sephiroth is a really relatable #edgelord. Specifically, the narratively reimagined hand-writing of the Wreden-narrator aside, Wreden’s real-life company is no Tale of Tales, who infamously quit the video game world to enter the broader art world. In fact, despite framing itself as a misunderstood outsider, The Beginner’s Guide won great critical acclaim, and made a number of best-of-the-year lists. It is a very successful game by most criteria. This is a game that can be seen as speaking to, or at least at, the video gaming community.
All bullshit hyperbole aside, if I played The Beginner’s Guide when I was 16 I probably would have thought it was the coolest thing ever. I was always wobbling along, being depressed, making art about being depressed, wrapped in deriving meaning from what I saw to be a masochistic emotional landscape existing simply to pile on pain and misunderstanding. I had all those same fatalistic Romantic notions of art and life and suffering and sex and mental illness that young male artists of the avantgarde tend to get told combine to form a properly serious artistic worldview.
If we were to step back a bit and disabuse ourselves of the assumption that The Beginner’s Guide’s audience is a mature art audience, despite its constant engagement with quaintly naive avantgarde tropes. But what audience would be so egotistical as to be able to completely ignore all of the unending protests and tirades about being “not for you” and still internalize that, yes, it is all about them? Which is to say, any precociously artsy nerd teenager.
Even more, maybe we can see something much grander from the simple observation that this video game, made by a 24 year old, seems so defensive because it was designed to challenge and then annihilate all comers spectacularly. What if The Beginner’s Guide is explicitly a giant “fuck you” to your (my) Marios, to your Lego Star Wars, to your Sonics, to your Final Fantasies, to your Dooms, and to the whole of the festering, constipated bowels that has become the game “industry” and “fandom”?

The Beginner’s Guide might just be a move straight out of Phillip K. Dick at his worst: an apocalypse happens and everyone’s body and spirit are destroyed but are reformed in some virtual space and has to go on living with new rules. With a whole new group of gamers who start, begin, a new lineage of games rediscovering these (to me rudimentary and juvenile) meta-art understandings. The whole game is the trigger for an honest but painful mushroom cloud-swirling-formation, the remnants of suns forming into new suns.
I’m not saying that it is a particularly new or even a particularly useful thing to do, but what generation doesn’t have a dream of inserting itself as the new zero A.D. of the cultural calendar? God knows, if I was that age or younger I would be seriously disappointed in what my and the generation older than me has handed them in video games. I would see all the bullshit hyperbole-cum-advertising that passes as game journalism, the viciously entitled core fandom, the cliche pandering of the industry, and want to burn it to the ground too. I certainly felt that way about most mainstream music and comics in the 90s.

But before we bask in the glow of the new-video-game-earth, no matter your age, imagining that any indie-game apocalypse would solve the problems of video games is ahistorical thinking at its most dogged. Perhaps the plan goes off without a hitch, laying the video game landscape as a sheet of blasted glass. Perhaps the feral children will survive and build their Voxel tree forts. But like The Onion headline “Man Thinking About Just Packing Up And Making Exact Same Mistakes Someplace Far Away,” thinking that knocking apart the community around an art would fix all of the [perceived] problems does nothing to prevent those outside of the blast zone from rushing in to implement their ideologies.
The old neo-con dogma of "crisis capitalism" outline by the Rand Corporation - which led to the endless American Middle East wars after 9/11 - specifically states that any apocalyptic moment can be leveraged for profit by the people with the most power.
If The Beginner’s Guide is a trap-cum-trigger that starts the apocalypse for game history, starting with a specially tailored neurotoxin for critics, then creeping to fans who want to talk about the game, then people who play the game, then people who have only heard of the game, and onward like the oh-so-cliche-but-fan-beloved-zombie-apocalypse, then its vision for the next world is a utopia without games critics, without fans, without communities of thinkers, without intentioned makers. What is left in this new world are but the vast shibboleths of Nintendo, Sony, Apple, and Walmart as the only game in town. They will assuredly survive any small art apocalypse.
The other parts of this essay can be found here
Kommentare
Closet Storage Ideas
Wow, you seem to be very knowledgable about this kind of topics.`–’, Closet Storage Ideas
mtom
This web site is often a walk-through like the knowledge you wished about it and didn’t know who must. Glimpse here, and you’ll absolutely discover it. 안전공원
seo hong kong
Thanks for this excellent. I was wondering whether you were planning of writing similar posts to this one. .Keep up the excellent articles!
mtom
abstract art have share some of its unique beauty when it comes to art. i like abstract art because it is mysterious“ manga reader
mtom
Nice post. I discover something more difficult on diverse blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to study content from other writers and employ a specific thing from their site. I’d opt to apply certain together with the content on my small weblog regardless of whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link with your web weblog. Thank you sharing. 토토사이트
mtom
I was seeking a post like this. Really refreshing take on the information. Thanks a lot. buy cocaine Canada
สล็อต 365
Good website! I truly love how it is nice on my eyes it is. I’m wondering how I could be notified when a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! สล็อต 365
안전 슬롯사이트
Hey there, have you ever in your life wondered to write about Nintendo or PS handheld? 안전 슬롯사이트
slot zeus
Good post and a nice summation of the problem. My only problem with the analysis is given that much of the population joined the chorus of deregulatory mythology, given vested interest is inclined toward perpetuation of the current system and given a lack of a popular cheerleader for your arguments, I’m not seeing much in the way of change. slot zeus
Heya i am for the first time
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to offer something again and aid others like you aided me. 토토사이트 순위
ss
It’s not the case that reader must be completely agreed with author’s views about article. So this is what happened with me, anyways it’s a good effort, I appreciate it. Thanks heroin dealer near me
mtom
I really want to thank you for yet another great informative post, I’m a loyal visitor to this blog and I can’t stress enough how much valuable information I’ve learned from reading your content. I really appreciate all the effort you put into this great site. 슬롯사이트
You can also put a chatbox on
You can also put a chatbox on your blog for more interactivity among readers. myasiantv
mtom
It’s nearly impossible to find knowledgeable individuals within this topic, and you be understood as guess what happens you’re speaking about! Thanks Dextools Trending
Comfortabl y, the post is
Comfortabl y, the post is really the freshest on that laudable topic. I match in with your conclusions and also will thirstily look forward to your next updates. Simply just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c clarity in your writing. I will certainly best away grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any kind of updates. Great work and much success in your business dealings! roulette
tiktok no watermark
I am glad to be a visitor of this arrant website ! , thanks for this rare info ! .
Keep up the great piece of
Keep up the great piece of work, I read few posts on this web site and I think that your blog is rattling interesting and has got bands of great information. สล็อต pg
best Metatrader5 brokers
I discovered your blog web site on yahoo and check some of your early posts. Keep in the really good operate. I simply extra encourage Feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more on your part down the line!… best Metatrader5 brokers
eyelash perming
The camera work heightens this loss of individuality by filming everyone from the back or side whenever there is action, so close you can’t tell who is doing what, or were in relation to other people they are doing anything with. eyelash perming
Yt comments
Wow, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and actual effort to make a good post… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never appear to get something done. Yt comments
mtom
The vacation offers on offer are : deemed as a selection of one particular chosen furthermore low cost throughout. These kinds rentals are commonly proudly located at features who definitely are accented through fine-looking shores selling crystal-clear waters, contingency the Pacific Ocean. hotels packages 먹튀사이트
ss
Cheers, I just stopped by to visit your site and thought I’d say , you have some good info here. ligaciputra
considerations that come with
considerations that come with travelling abroad. Some sort of medical crisis can before long become costly and that’s absolute to quickly impose a big chief
pinksale
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks
of course like your web-site
of course like your web-site however you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to tell the reality on the other hand I will surely come again again. garuda303
Hi I am so delighted I found
Hi I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent job. adobe xd to webflow
Amazing this information is
Amazing this information is actually awesome it really aided me and even my family, cheers! https://portbrd.pl
dabwood disposables
https://dabwoodsdisposable.org/
dabwoods disposable
Outstanding post, I think
Outstanding post, I think people should learn a lot from this web blog its very user pleasant. Pinksale Trending Marketing
mtom
Well, that is definitely decent, nonetheless how about extra choices we now have here? Can you thoughts composing yet another post relating to all of them also? Be thankful! is Zulutrade profitable
Any way I’ll be subscribing
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. I will remember this. leaf weed buds
Sbobet online
I’m impressed, I must say. Genuinely rarely will i encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve got hit the nail about the head. Your thought is outstanding; the problem is something too little folks are speaking intelligently about. I am happy that we found this inside my search for some thing regarding this. Sbobet online
FXTM review
What refreshing shock your posts are. these posts are aiding me in exploring some needed specifics. You’ve added to my study in your posting. FXTM review
Acclaimed read, Positive page
Acclaimed read, Positive page, where did u a couple of the articles on your site page now, and I truly like your style. You're truly frustrating and on the off chance that it's especially not firm difficulty, keep up the reasonable work.
Link LVTOGEL
Employee class lectures in Indonesia
You have done a great job. I'm sure they will benefit from this site. visit my site Kuliah Karyawan
Try out online free
You have done a great job. I'm sure they will benefit from this site. visit my site Try Out Online
ss
reading science fiction books is the stuff that i am always into. science fiction really widens my imagination- YTMP3Online
Would love to perpetually
Would love to perpetually get updated outstanding website ! . Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer chicagoaccidentattorney.net
ss
it does not take too long to learn good piano playing if you have a good piano lesson, Crypto Token Listing
mtom
I really love the way you discuss this kind of topic.~;.`” slot international============================Hello! I simply want to make a enormous thumbs up with the wonderful info you’ve here during this post. We are returning to your blog for additional soon. 안전놀이터
mtom
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with your website. It seems like some of the text in your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This may be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously. Appreciate it small lathe
=========
I’d should consult you here. Which isn’t some thing I usually do! I quite like reading a post that will make people believe. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment! outdoor patio furniture
Fix Xbox controller that won’t connect to PC
Hello Sir, Your work is so good I like Your article writing your writing is so clear I liked you are a great writer. I appreciate your work you are working hard. Thanks for writing such articles and sharing them with us. I shared this article with you about Fix Xbox controller that won’t connect to PC. If you don't know how to fix the Xbox controller won't connect issue, then it can be beneficial for you.
wake up light alarm clock
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and today every time a comment is added I receive four emails concentrating on the same comment. Can there be in whatever way you can remove me from that service? Thanks! wake up light alarm clock
Advantage by as shown by a
Advantage by as shown by a general point of view premium substances - you will see that individual for:
SLOT ONLINE TERBAIK
mtom
You can definitely see your skills within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart. click
mtom
You ought to indulge in a tournament for just one of the greatest blogs online. I am going to suggest this website! Situs Slot Gacor
ss
I am so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc. Jewels
je.gerlac3@hotmail.com
Superb blog post! Really i like to appreciate your blog information. Nowadays, roll dice online is most useful. you might know Dice Game which is Dungeons and Dragons is also called D&D. For english teachers here you can know 5 Games for Teaching english by using Dice
Have you ever thought about
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. But think of if you added some great photos or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this blog could certainly be one of the greatest in its field. Wonderful blog! Indian jackpot lottery winner
mtom
Thank you for any other magnificent post. Where else could anyone get that type of information in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such information. 파워볼
Neuen Kommentar schreiben