Videogames and altered states of consciousness

[J T]

Flow. Zoning. Hypnotic states. Ecstasy. Zen consciousness. Euphoria.

These are not words you typically hear used to describe videogames, but if you've ever gotten really good at a shmup you've probably experienced this while playing. Some modern games seem to have been going directly for this type of experience though. Jenova Chen's games flOw and flOwer are directly aiming for a serene meditative state. Rez is one of the better semi-retro examples of a game that intends to hypnotize you more than entertain you. The game that prompted me to make this thread is a new game called Gridrunner Revolution, which is the psilocybin mushroom of videogames (and currently only $2 at Steam for those interested). I just played Gridrunner for the first time on my laptop during a bus commute. I've never had time fly by so fast on a bus ride, nor felt so relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards. I love my little sheepies.

So, I guess my question is, how can a videogame alter consciousness? What does the game need to provide to grab hold of your mind and tune your brain waves to nirvana's frequency? What games have made you tune in and tune out?

[Niode]

Gridrunner is awesome, as are most of Jeff Minter's games. They're all psychedelic trance-inducers, I don't think he's ever made a game that isn't the binary equivalent of an acid trip.

[8bit]

Id also like to throw in Frequency with its hypnotic music, and graphics.

Also Eden from PixalJunk. That game is total xen to me! I love cranking up the volume, turning the lights off and getting lost in the world of Eden!

[Anayo]

Nights into Dreams.

[Pulsar_t]

Rez almost takes me there, but my thumbs start to complain and I wince in pain I'd say it's too early for this kind of talk. Maybe when physiopsychological interfacing (don't be finicky IANAD ) is feasible between game and player.

[corn619]

I don't like to rip myself off when it comes to psychedelic trance inducing experiences. I just take the real deal and get the full and cheaper experience. Seriously though, I went through a very heavy Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun phase. I was very good at them and most certainly in a different level when playing some of the more intense parts of the games. Another genre of game puts me on a different 'level' is the survival horror genre.

Maybe Flow. Zoning. Hypnotic states. Ecstasy. Zen consciousness. Euphoria are really not accurate words to describe a great survival horror game. Playing long late night bouts of games like Fatal Frame and Silent Hill will definitely alter your consciousness like no other game will. A good Survival Horror game will evoke fear under the right conditions, one of our strongest emotions. After playing in a dark room for hours with headphones, these games suck you right in and won't let go although you may want them to. At least this is how I feel when playing.

[CRTGAMER]

Rez almost takes me there, but my thumbs start to complain and I wince in pain I'd say it's too early for this kind of talk. Maybe when physiopsychological interfacing (don't be finicky IANAD ) is feasible between game and player.

I second Rez, even the PS2 vibrator is called trance. Dreamcast Rez/K-Project played with Mad Catz Vibrator kicking to the beat also great "therapy".

[Merz]

I used to really enjoy Rez and Ikaruga when I was jammed. I didn't get back into video games until one day I pulled my Dreamcast out when I was like this. Portal was a strange one too, it actually frightened me. I think I was a lot more sensitive to the atmosphere in a game, created by but not limited to visuals and music.

I won't go as far as to say these games will bring an altered state of consciousness. It may stimulate feelings and ideas, but I've not been shot into the astral plane yet! I also don't think I would have felt much if I wasn't high either. Rez puts me in a trance when I play but so does Sonic, Street Fighter, or any game I have to be very careful in to not die. Of course, the harder the game the more focused I get.

That movie Altered States is pretty cool.

[Rocketman]

Another genre of game puts me on a different 'level' is the survival horror genre.

Maybe Flow. Zoning. Hypnotic states. Ecstasy. Zen consciousness. Euphoria are really not accurate words to describe a great survival horror game. Playing long late night bouts of games like Fatal Frame and Silent Hill will definitely alter your consciousness like no other game will. A good Survival Horror game will evoke fear under the right conditions, one of our strongest emotions. After playing in a dark room for hours with headphones, these games suck you right in and won't let go although you may want them to. At least this is how I feel when playing.

I know exactly what you mean! Survival horror games like Silent Hill, Resident Evil and Project Zero really get your heart pumping. You strain your ears and listen, are you be followed by dogs in Silent Hill? Is there a Zombie some where in that room on Resident Evil? These are the kinds of games that force you to concentrate (The puzzles help too!) and I would liken it to being, really being in a different state of consciousness.

If it's a really good survival horror game then it will really instill emotions in you. You will feel fear, anxiety and a sense of helplessness. (It's you and your plank of wood against grotesque monsters that spit acid at you - you don't stand a chance). While it's all being done in a virtual world, there comes a sense of accomplishment for having the "courage" to keep going instead of barricading your self up in a room. The first time I played Resident Evil all I could think about after each play was how if it was me in that situation, I would just make some awesome barricade to keep zombies out.

Another game that I liked was Space Invaders Extreme - The music and sound effects are amazing. Not sure I would say it altered my state of consciousness though.

[aaron]

are we talking about doing drugs and playing video games here? because that is what aaron is interested in.