Problems with Death (in Games)

A non-exhaustive list, apropos of being knee-deep in interactive fiction code at the moment:

1. The players do not understand why they die.

2. The players do not believe they can die.

3. The players believe they lack control over their death, or the deaths of others.

4. The players believe they have too much control over their death, or the deaths of others.

5. The players lack context for death.

6. The players feel that death is necessarily negative.

7. Death interrupts narrative.

8. Death ends narrative.

9. Death is used as a punishment.

10. The players and the game master have different opinions about death.

11. The players feel death is unfair, in theory or in practice.

12. The players think the game master cheats.

13. The players think the game master cheats in ways that do not favor them.

14. The players think the game master cheats in ways that do not favor the narrative.

15. The players believe death is permanent.

16. The players believe death is transitory.

17. The players disagree among themselves about the significance of death.

18. The players believe death is the worst thing the game master can do to them.

19. The game master believes death is the worst thing she can do to the players.

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Not sure about the significance of any of these, or whether they matter.  Prompts for personal reflection, is all.

Also, on a more upbeat note: I’m going to Phoenix Comic Con!  And my appearance schedule has been posted in the usual place!