How Video Games Capture the Awe and Terror of Cosmic Isolation
This article explores how video games effectively evoke the profound sense of solitude and vulnerability experienced by astronauts drifting in deep space. Drawing parallels between real-world events, such as the Artemis II mission launch and Michael Collins' account of isolation during the Apollo missions, the piece highlights specific titles that capture this 'fragile quiet.' Games like Elite, No Man's Sky, Exo One, Outer Wilds, Observation, and Tacoma are analyzed for their ability to blend beauty with mortal danger, forcing players to confront cosmic loneliness. The author argues that while many sci-fi games normalize space travel, these particular experiences successfully mirror the psychological reality of being truly alone in the universe.
Wire timeline
How Video Games Capture the Awe and Terror of Cosmic Isolation
This article explores how video games effectively evoke the profound sense of solitude and vulnerability experienced by astronauts drifting in deep space. Drawing parallels between real-world events, such as the Artemis II mission launch and Michael Collins' account of isolation during the Apollo missions, the piece highlights specific titles that capture this 'fragile quiet.' Games like Elite, No Man's Sky, Exo One, Outer Wilds, Observation, and Tacoma are analyzed for their ability to blend beauty with mortal danger, forcing players to confront cosmic loneliness. The author argues that while many sci-fi games normalize space travel, these particular experiences successfully mirror the psychological reality of being truly alone in the universe.
The Guardian