Pixels and Presence: How “A Space For The Unbound” Creates Immersion Through Cultural Details

Pandu Utomo, Pandu Utomo

2024

Abstract

Video games are evolving from entertainment to complex media with social and cultural impact. This study explores immersion in the Indonesian game "A Space For The Unbound" and its connection to cultural adaptation. The game uses pixel art and references real-world Indonesian settings, creating a unique visual aesthetic. The narrative incorporates direct and indirect cultural elements, with exploration as a key mechanic. Gameplay reinforces presence through NPC interaction and familiar control schemes. Culturally, the game utilises "cultural apriori," where creators internalise concepts and mindsets. While not strictly adhering to 1990s Indonesian culture, the game evokes nostalgia through the atmosphere achieved by visual, audio, and narrative details. A Space For The Unbound exemplifies how video games can leverage aesthetics to create immersion, cultural connection, and relevance. The game creates a nostalgic sensation for its players because it successfully conveys the "impression" or "atmosphere" of the 1990s through visual audio, narrative, and ludic or gameplay.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Utomo P. (2024). Pixels and Presence: How “A Space For The Unbound” Creates Immersion Through Cultural Details. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Creative Multimedia - Volume 1: ICCM; ISBN 978-989-758-733-7, SciTePress, pages 47-55. DOI: 10.5220/0013333300004557

in Bibtex Style

@conference{iccm24,
author={Pandu Utomo},
title={Pixels and Presence: How “A Space For The Unbound” Creates Immersion Through Cultural Details},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Creative Multimedia - Volume 1: ICCM},
year={2024},
pages={47-55},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013333300004557},
isbn={978-989-758-733-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Creative Multimedia - Volume 1: ICCM
TI - Pixels and Presence: How “A Space For The Unbound” Creates Immersion Through Cultural Details
SN - 978-989-758-733-7
AU - Utomo P.
PY - 2024
SP - 47
EP - 55
DO - 10.5220/0013333300004557
PB - SciTePress