The Golden King by Damon L. Wakes
This is a very short 3D game with voiceover and not a word of text to be seen. It seems like an unusual format and presentation for IFComp. I know there is a page on the website that roughly describes IF as text based, but there don’t appear to be any specific rules about it, and I’ll always be a supporter of experimentation. Though I suppose I’d follow that up with: The enthusiasm of my support of experimentation hinges on if the work makes an honest inquisitive effort with form. This game is not exactly breaking the mold in the scheme of narrative based gaming, and plays like a demo one might whip up in Unity in a few hours if you just wanted to learn the basics of making 3d games. I can’t say it really blew my mind or tickled my fancy for novel things. Though, I do wonder…given the demo-y nature of it, and references to gold and kings…is there a connection to Gambler’s Quest and The Copper Tavern? It is a tenuous and speculative thought, but one that has crossed my mind nonetheless. Maybe it is just a coincidence.
Anywho, on the experience I had while playing…my primary reaction to playing was “that’s it?” But also, it reminded me of AI. I do apologize for making this connection, as it feels like everything is always about AI now. This is just a tragic outcome of the nature of my life these days, it seems. I am reminded of readings I’ve done recently on the problem of specification gaming, which is often summarized by the story of King Midas and his golden touch. A large concern about AI is that it is difficult for humans to express their intentions. A poorly specified request can be interpreted to disastrous results. King Midas asked for gold, but was not very specific, and got it in such abundance that it ruined his life. While playing The Golden King, I saw the real world counterparts, in which frontier AI labs recognize that they are going to get world-destroying gold statues after their requests are granted, but they barrel ahead and act like that is…good? So, even though it was very short and left me wanting more, I am still left with something to contemplate, or at least solemnly nod my head along with.