AGAINST WORLDBUILDING, AND OTHER PROVOCATIONS

Essays on History, Narrative, and Game Design (Occult Scraps)

Alexis Kennedy

Against Worldbuilding, and Other Provocations by Alexis Kennedy is not merely a collection of essays; it's a visceral exploration that dismantles the fundamental principles of storytelling, history, and game design with surgical precision. If you've ever sat down to craft a narrative, or even just to immerse yourself in one, you owe it to yourself to dive into this book. It will challenge your assumptions and push you into a realm where limits blur and creativity emerges from chaos.

Kennedy, a luminary in interactive storytelling and a architect of worlds, draws on a wellspring of experience that makes his insights both profound and provocative. He wrestles with a concept that many creators cling to: worldbuilding. Yet, he doesn't merely criticize; he incites a revolution against it. The essays unfurl like a dark tapestry, threading through the intricacies of narrative construction, beckoning you to consider the very nature of truth and fiction. How do our stories shape us, and what does it mean when we become consumed by the worlds we create?

Readers have responded with a kaleidoscope of opinions, intensifying the book's allure. Some argue that Kennedy's take is a refreshing call for clarity against the often convoluted narratives that permeate modern media. His critiques touch a nerve, igniting debates among writers and gamers alike. Others feel uncomfortable with his challenges, as if he's unraveling the very fabric of escapism that provides solace.

The discomfort is undeniable. By peeling back the layers of narrative, Kennedy confronts us with unsettling truths about our roles as creators and consumers. He skillfully illustrates how the allure of intricate worlds can distract from the emotional core of a story. It's a heartbreaking realization; it's like finding out that the vibrant dreams we clung to were simply constructs meant to hide deeper, more complex truths about our existence.

Kennedy's discourse is not just an academic exercise; it's a crucial reminder in an era where narrative-driven games and media dominate our leisure. The binary between game design and storytelling becomes fluid, inviting readers to reevaluate where one ends and the other begins. The resurgence of interest in historical narratives becomes particularly poignant in light of today's socio-political discourse. In his essays, the reader can glean insights that resonate deeply with the current struggles for authenticity in representation and the clashing narratives that shape our realities.

At the heart of Against Worldbuilding is a call to recognize our power as both storytellers and players in this vast game of life. It grips you with both fear and exhilaration-fear of the void that lies beneath well-crafted worlds, and exhilaration at the potential for raw, unfiltered storytelling. These are the provocations that may very well shift the way you engage with narratives forever.

In recent conversations on platforms like Goodreads, users express a range of emotions, from enthusiasm for Kennedy's audacity to discomfort with his radical ideas. His work, unapologetically polarizing, has inspired a new wave of introspection among creators about authenticity versus escapism. Are we, in our attempts to craft elaborate worlds, losing touch with the very essence of storytelling? Are we hiding from the discomfort that life often presents?

Against Worldbuilding, and Other Provocations is a labyrinthine journey that not only addresses these questions but demands that we walk boldly into the complexities of our narratives. It beckons you to engage, to analyze, and, ultimately, to transform how you think about storytelling. You may emerge from this book feeling liberated yet profoundly unsettled. But perhaps that's precisely what is needed in our quest for more honest and impactful narratives. Prepare for an intellectual rollercoaster-you might just find yourself entirely transformed. 🌌

📖 AGAINST WORLDBUILDING, AND OTHER PROVOCATIONS: Essays on History, Narrative, and Game Design (Occult Scraps)

✍ by Alexis Kennedy

🧾 217 pages

2021

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