Altered State Machines: Coding Salvia Space
Aaron Oldenburg
Maryland Shared Open Access Repository November 1, 2017 DOI: 10.13016/m2wi6t-okuh (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | The authors propose that three videogames — Seer (KOR), Thinning, and Brief Excursion — can proceduralize characteristics of the Salvinorin A experience in order to explore representations of space and self in virtual worlds and to evoke discomfort, loss of control, and a sense of being outside assumed videogame space. |
Abstract
Seer (KOR), Thinning and Brief Excursion (2016) are three videogames that attempt to proceduralize characteristics of the experience of the hallucinogenic chemical Salvinorin A, the active component of the sage variety salvia divinorum. The purpose of these experiments is to explore the boundaries of representations of space and self in digital virtual worlds, as well as to attempt to convey the intangible emotional (as well as anti-emotional) and philosophical aspects of the experience. The goal is to evoke in the player sensations of discomfort, loss of direct control and a sense of being outside of assumed videogame space.