Written by Jih-Hsuan Tammy Lin and Dai-Yun Wu. The article discusses newsgames, a game genre of interactive digital experiences designed to inform players about real-world issues. It explores the impact of graphic realism and geographic proximity on player engagement and emotional responses. The research indicates that newsgames can foster prosocial behavior and awareness.
Written by Mark G. Murphy. This article is presented in two parts. The first part was published on 19th November. In this second part, we explore the relationship between cultivation and rootedness in video games by examining how different cultural traditions shape narrative approaches to spiritual development.
Written by Mark G. Murphy. This article explores how Taiwan’s video games use wuxia mythology to build cultural identity and soft power. The games weave local legends with historical events, focusing on themes of resistance, spiritual growth, and rootedness. The author argues that the practice of “cultivation” – developing inner strength – should be interpreted broadly, linking it to Taiwan’s cultural memory and landscapes. This allows players to engage deeply with Taiwanese culture, blending myth and real-world settings to reinforce collective identity and memory. Importantly, this means soft power becomes a kind of internal power, a key principle in wuxia philosophy.
Written by Chee-Hann Wu. This article centres on the popular topic of discussion on Taiwan’s lack of AAA games. It argues the necessity of such questions. Rather than focusing on the absence of AAA titles, the conversation should shift towards supporting and promoting the existing strengths of Taiwan’s game industry.
Written by Wei-ting Liou. This article focuses on the author’s experiences in “worlding” Taiwan literature through their academic work. This includes engaging with translation, examining Taiwanese American literature, and teaching English-taught courses on Taiwan literature and culture. The author believes these approaches can help reshape the conventional understanding of Taiwan literary studies.
Written by Aoife Cantrill. Translation plays a crucial role in contemporary Taiwan literature, reflecting the country’s complex history and linguistic diversity. This article examines how Taiwanese writers use translation not only to share their stories with the world but also to explore their own cultural identity and historical memory.
