During the early days of the pandemic, when traditional forms of entertainment were unavailable due to closures, many turned to video games for solace. In the introduction to Critical Hits: Writers Playing Video Games, Carmen Maria Machado notes that video games became a way to cope with the challenges of isolation. They provided a means to escape reality and connect with others during a time of lockdown.
Although video games were once considered a niche form of entertainment, recent years have seen a significant rise in their popularity. Writers like Tony Tulathimutte question why an industry that surpasses Hollywood in revenue is still seen as culturally marginal. The anthology, Critical Hits, curated by Lennon and Machado, aims to celebrate video games and challenge their cultural dismissal. This collection features a diverse range of essays and critiques from established authors and emerging voices, exploring various aspects of video game culture.
Rather than arguing for the artistic merit of video games, the writers in Critical Hits delve into the significance of gaming experiences. They examine how games shape our values, ethical considerations in gameplay, and the implications of embodying characters from different backgrounds. The linguistic and narrative aspects of games hold a particular allure for these writers, resonating with their personal experiences and emotional journeys.
A recurring theme in Critical Hits is the immersive and transformative nature of gaming. Writers like Max Delsohn and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah discuss the sense of wonder and agency players experience when engaging with video games. However, this immersion can also lead to uncomfortable reflections, as seen in essays exploring themes of identity, representation, and power dynamics within games.
The essays in Critical Hits offer a blend of personal reflection, analytical depth, and playful exploration of gaming culture. Authors share intimate stories of their interactions with games, drawing connections between virtual worlds and real-world concerns. Through their diverse perspectives, the writers invite readers to reflect on their own gaming experiences and consider the profound impact of this interactive medium.
