Journal Entry 2
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School
Northeastern University *
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Course
2301
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
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4
Uploaded by ngocminhphan02
Journal Entry 2
Game Played: Gone Home
Engaging with video games goes beyond entertainment; it provides a unique medium for exploring complex philosophical topics. Gone Home, developed by The Fullbright Company, is a
prime example of a game that offers a profound exploration of identity, relationships, and the journey of self-discovery. As I delved into the game while considering the philosophical implications, I was struck by the subtle yet profound ways it communicated its philosophical commitments.
Gone Home presents players with an intricate narrative woven around the concept of identity and
relationships. The game is set in a seemingly ordinary house, but it is the subtle details and scattered artifacts that allow players to piece together the stories of the Greenbriar family. As I explored the abandoned house, I encountered letters, notes, and objects that unveiled the lives, dreams, and struggles of the family members. Through this discovery, the game implicitly communicated the complexity of human identity and the interconnectedness of relationships.
The game's commitment to the philosophical topic of identity becomes evident as players piece together the characters' stories. We learn about Sam's struggle with her sexual identity and her process of self-discovery, as well as her parents' complex relationship with their own dreams and ambitions. The game doesn't explicitly lecture on these topics; instead, it immerses players in the
family's experiences, allowing us to empathize with their challenges and growth. This approach
led me to infer the commitment of the game to the idea that identity is multifaceted, shaped by personal experiences, relationships, and the journey of self-exploration.
Playing Gone Home within the context of our course material significantly altered my perspective on the philosophical topic of identity and relationships. Before engaging with the game, I had primarily approached identity from a more individualistic standpoint, considering it as a product of personal experiences and choices. However, the game challenged this perspective
by portraying identity as a dynamic interplay between personal discovery and the influence of relationships.
One of the most impactful moments in the game was uncovering Sam's journal entries, which detailed her evolving understanding of her own identity and the challenges she faced in coming to terms with it. This intimate portrayal reshaped my understanding of identity as not solely determined by internal factors, but also influenced by external relationships, societal norms, and personal struggles. This shift made me realize that our identities are often formed through a constant negotiation between personal introspection and the interactions we have with others.
As I navigated through the house, connecting the dots between family members' lives, I had an epiphany about the interconnectedness of human experiences. The game's implicit communication about relationships resonated deeply with me, echoing themes from our course readings. The interconnectedness of our identities and experiences started to take on new meaning as I understood that our individual journeys of self-discovery are inevitably intertwined with the people we encounter and the relationships we build.
Moreover, the game's environmental storytelling, where objects and artifacts told a larger narrative, struck a chord. This method reflected how our identities are often constructed from the fragments of experiences, memories, and interactions. Each note, each object, was a piece of the puzzle that contributed to the greater understanding of the family's lives, much like how our interactions with others shape our personal narratives.
Playing Gone Home within the context of our course material allowed me to engage deeply with the philosophical topic of identity and relationships. The game's commitment to exploring the complexities of identity through the lens of relationships and self-discovery prompted a transformative shift in my perspective. It illuminated the intertwined nature of identity and relationships, reminding me that our journeys of self-discovery are enriched by the people we encounter and the stories we share.
The act of piecing together the Greenbriar family's story from the fragments of their lives felt like a metaphor for the way we construct our own identities. Each note, each artifact, held significance in revealing the characters' desires, struggles, and growth. It made me realize that our identities are not isolated entities but are woven into the fabric of our interactions and connections with others.
Furthermore, Gone Home demonstrated the power of subtlety in conveying philosophical messages. Instead of explicit monologues or direct dialogues, the game relied on environmental storytelling, encouraging players to actively engage and draw their own conclusions. This
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approach fostered a sense of agency in interpreting the philosophical implications, allowing for a
more personal and meaningful connection to the material.
As I reflect on my experience with Gone Home, I am reminded that philosophy extends beyond academic discussions and intellectual debates. Philosophy can be experiential, emotional, and transformative. Engaging with the game not only deepened my understanding of the philosophical topic but also facilitated a visceral connection to the ideas explored. This interplay between thought and emotion is what makes Gone Home a powerful tool for philosophical contemplation.
In conclusion, Gone Home is not just a video game; it is a philosophical journey through the intricacies of identity and relationships. The game's commitment to exploring these themes in an immersive and interactive manner led to a profound shift in my perspective. Through the Greenbriar family's story, I learned that identity is not a solitary endeavor but a dynamic interplay between personal introspection and external connections. The game's subtlety in conveying philosophical messages and its reliance on environmental storytelling demonstrated the capacity of video games to engage players on both intellectual and emotional levels. As I step
away from this experience, I carry with me a newfound appreciation for the profound philosophical potential of interactive narratives and the ways in which they can reshape our understanding of the world around us.