Games can be conversations, and a new anthology curated by Merritt Kopas called Videogames For Humans aims to explore those connections. She’s gathered Twine game creators and critics to annotate and discuss one another’s works — the result isn’t just a unique angle on games criticism, it’s a gathering of many of the most prominent creators in that unique space.
Real talk: I’m also in this book, narrating my experience of Christine Love’s brutal little piece Even Cowgirls Bleed (a quick, free play in your browser), relatable to anybody who’s had a little bit of ego, overwhelm or poor social adjustment get in the way of love. I chose to donate my piece in exchange for just a copy of the book and a chance to be part of this rad collection, though, so I don’t have a financial agenda in suggesting you check it out.
“People are doing work in this space that’s practically unheard of in video games and in traditional literary circles,” says Kopas, who’s previously written for Offworld. “With videogames for humans, we wanted to collect some of this work both to document the incredible things people are doing – especially people who are underrepresented in videogames authorship – and to build bridges between interactive fiction and broader literary communities.”
Videogames For Humans will have a launch party at New York’s irreplaceable Babycastles Gallery on 4/20 (duh — details here, make sure you click the “turn this mother out” button). You’ll be able to get one of a very limited print run of the book there — thereafter the digital version will be available on publisher Instar Books’ site, so bookmark that.
The cover art is by the amazing Michael DeForge — enjoy familiarizing yourself with his work, too, if you haven’t already!