UberNoggin

You’ve probably heard of Schrodinger’s Cat. The cat in the box is neither dead or alive or both dead and alive (depending on who you ask) to illustrate the paradox of possibilities in a quantum world.  Yes, this is a seriously cooked down version of a very complex theory. If you want the complex version read here.

The bit of all this complex physics that I want to focus on is the concept of possibility curves and how they collapse and expand (think string theory). At one point, everything is possible. With each choice made possibilities close and others open. Tie this back a bit to Aarseth’s concept of “cybertext” and “ergodic literature” (any text that takes a significant effort to be consumed) and we’re back to thinking about MMORPGs.

When you create a character in a MMORPG you’re presented with some options: “Will I be a hobbit or a human? Will I be a mage or a fighter?” Each decision precludes others and creates new ones. You are, in effect, creating the story of your character’s life/career/relationships. But this goes beyond participatory storytelling because there are trees of outcomes laid out in front of you as you enter the space.  Choose to become a fighter and you’ve “plucked” the strings of skills, missions, possibilities of avatar appearance, group dynamics, the economy etc. sending them vibrating through the space and the possible narratives related to your role in the space.

The implications are still cooking. Any feedback is appreciated.

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