Here this is showed with PotShot (196xs). More here > PotShot is an extreme example; it was used as e-learning with a plotter and BASIC. It was about physics. The aim was to shoot the “pot.” The setting “makes the game.” Of course, we must not forget the context in which the whole thing took place at the time. Cold war.

In this case, this abstract game is contextualized or reterritorialized just with setting the frame „differen“. It is the war of agression of russia against ukraine. It is clear that it is no longer much fun – just with this new real, analog setting. The abstract form is a game, then with a new frame around the frame (magic circle) is extended, it is about war and ethical/moral issues. In the worst case, a war of aggression, in the most „positive“ case, defense.

It is also clear that most games can be ref“framed” (or even have roots in a non funny context) and then there is not much fun left. This also shows why games sometimes only „work“ socially in their mukokuseki environment, are safespaces.

It’s not easy for game designers to work on such topics, especially when there is war going on in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and so on. And of course, it shouldn’t be easy with this type of games.

The further development of this plotter game led to games such as Ballerburg [….], and ultimately Angry Birds.