Cybertext

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the debate over the concepts of cybertext and ergodic literature with particular reference to electronic games. The thesis is argued that the key aspect of cybertext is the reader's capacity for choice as the primary narrative determinant. As is seen, an emphasis upon this aspect causes us to understand cybertext as a narrative strategy that, while facilitated by electronic media, nonetheless transcends it. The paper also discusses how, from this perspective, cybertext may be understood as a process of engagement between individuals and texts that supports individual agency as the determinant of textual meaning and narrative progression.


Outline
Introduction
Cybertext and Ergodic Literature: The Critical Controversy
Reader's Choice and Electronic Gaming
The Value of Ergodic Literature

From the Paper:

"A demonstration of how "revolutionary" such games can be may be seen in the controversy over a user-mod to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas which allowed players to access a sexually explicit cutscene that was not previously accessible. While this level was part of the code for the game, public access was clearly not intended by either the game designers or the manufacturers. In fact, the widespread public controversy over the revelation of how to access this part of the game led to the producer ceasing manufacture of the game, as well as it having to absorb an estimated US$50 million in losses (CNNMoney.com). When a game narrative facilitates player choice to such a degree that it negatively impacts the game designers themselves, we can appreciate the revolutionary nature of such cybertexts. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ang, Chee Siang. "Rules, gameplay and narratives in video games." Simulation & Gaming. 37.3(2006): 306-325.
• Carlson, Scott. "Can Grand Theft Auto Inspire Professors?" The Chronicle of Higher Education - Information Technology. August 15, 2003. Accessed: October 29, 2006. http://chronicle.com/free/v49/i49/49a03101.htm
• CNNMoney.com. "Wal-Mart, Target pull Grand Theft Auto." July 20, 2005. Accessed: October 28, 2006. http://money.cnn.com/2005/07/20/technology/personaltech/gta/
• Eco, Umberto. Travels in Hyperreality. New York: Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich, 1983.
• Grand Text Auto: A Group Blog. "Clarifying Ergodic and Cybertext." Accessed: October 28, 2006. http://grandtextauto.gatech.edu/2005/08/12/clarifying-ergodic-and-cybertext/

More papers on Cybertext:

• Analytical Essay # 130324 : "The Role of the "Reader" in Cybertext"

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