I personally believe that physical objects (such as memorabilia) play a huge role in bridging the gap between ourselves and the digital world. To live in a societal era where where Video Game related merchandising is normalised and conversations surrounding these fictional worlds aren’t frowned upon is a step closer towards blurring the line.
Is it something we should accept though?
Whilst people are able to indulge in their hobbies, children are able to explore their imagination further with action figures and replica props, they’re just that: Merchandise.
Our world is becoming connected to digital world due to their monetary worth and the value it brings to companies. Connecting us? – Yes. Impacting our lives? – Yes. Immersing us in the importance of a fictional story? – No.
It’s of my personal belief that while the bridge is important, and the merchandising allows to to act out our fantasies to an extent, we’re not immersed by most of the companies’ products, instead they’re just cool paperweights or fancy wall pieces. Decorative, not immersive.
Now with the absurdity of most video games, the impracticality and the sheer amount of different titles that exist, we can’t possibly be fully immersed in a video game during our natural lives. This is why I believe it’s our effort and passion that gets us, as individuals, to take morals and lessons from our favourite franchises and apply them to our lives. From a more physical example, bringing to life our characters and worlds through the likes of props, cosplay, acting and in a more permanent way, tattoos.
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