How does one resist the all-encompassing Empire? This is on of the question posed in this weeks reading about video games and global capitalism by Dyer-Witheford and de Peuter. Global capitalism can clearly be seen in the way that video games are produced, marketed and sold within a Western capitalist system. Video games are a media that exist within, and are supported by the Empire. Often with the discussion of Empire it is difficult to see areas of resistance or ways to subvert the power of the Empire. However, I like the way Dyer-Witheford and de Peuter were able to discuss a few such areas where resistance to the dominance of the system. They specifically mention three forms of resistance through pirated games, protest games, and planning games. While these may be some of the main avenues of resistance there are also other interesting examples. One such example can be seen in the recent hacking of Microsoft’s point’s cards. These cards are normally available for purchase and allow gamers to buy movies, games, things for games, etc. within the Microsoft gaming community through the Xbox platform. Hackers recently were able to crack the algorithm that makes up the codes on the backs of cards, allowing them to steal millions of dollars worth of points related purchases. This is just one interesting example of resistance related to theft and piracy. I’m curious to know other’s opinions on this example and whether you see this as a resistance to or an acceptance of Empire?
I realise that these forms of resistance don’t actually tackle the underlying problems of consumerism, nor do they subvert the ways in which games are produced, marketed, etc. However, with seemingly so few options for resistance, any little act can seem like a something positive.
I agree that any little act can be seen as a form of resistance. One person's act may not be noticeable, but many people carrying out the same act is bound to have a larger impact.
ReplyDeleteIts true that pirating is a form of resistance to the Empire. However, when you think about it people are going to quite a length to get these products without paying. It seems that the concern is the monopoly that corporations like Microsoft have over some of these video games or programs. Therefore, people still want to be a part of the empire and are willing to do criminal acts to get it for free. In this sense, pirating seems to be a resistance to having to pay. Then again, if most people do this, then the Empire or Monopoly of Microsoft will fall...
ReplyDeleteI think resistance in many cases is out of laziness and less about "sticking it to the man." Take music piracy, for example, the "Empire" of the music industry has made it illegal for P2P servers to allow users to download music without paying for it.
ReplyDeleteBut lets be serious here, how many of us still download? And why is that? Personally, I would not say its because I want to engage in some grand counter hegemony, but simply because we live in a society where we have learned how to cheat the system. We have grown up with technology and we know how to work our way around it.
My counter argument to these comments would be why would people feel the need to cheat a system that works? To me, the fact that people feel they must somehow subvert the system demonstrates there is something inherently wrong with its basic construction.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amanda. I don't download, but I also don't buy music off of iTunes. I still see my small CD purchase as helping the artists (and companies, even if they are conglomerates). My reason for not doing either, and going more for the tangible is that both online downloading and iTunes work the same way (see my comment on Sonia's post). I am not trying to be subversive when I buy a CD, as this too contributes to the capitalist system, but it is important to realize that the processes are the same.
ReplyDeleteWow, I agree with everyone on everything (I know that is a horrible way to start off a post but it's the truth)! I agree with Marie that resistance is like "sticking it to the man"; we feel pressure by the Empire that stands in our way of what we want and therefore when we can find a way around it, then it gives us a feeling of accomplishment. On the other hand, as Amanda and Sophie have raised excellent points, we are still overlooking the flaws of the basic system. I don't think we can ever truly win (i.e. having more than a sense of "sticking it to the man") unless we can change the system.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kait. I think piracy essentially is a form of resistance to consumerism and ownership. It can resist to the Empire to some extent, when a chinese hacker pirates the products of the US transnational corporations for the benefits of Chinese people. At the same time, this hacker can also pirate products made by India, Africa, and South Asia to make it available for every person. This is different than the resistance to Empire.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why the monopoly of Microsoft will not fall is a complicated one. They prescribe a chain of "rituals" to use computer (interface, software...). The users can resist one software of the Microsoft but cannot break the whole system down. I am not saying resistance is impossible, but it might be specially hard for the case of Microsoft.
With a theory as compelling as the all-encompassing Empire, it is really easy to dismiss acts of resistance because in some way they seem to reinforce the capitalist system; however, I think that regardless of people’s intentions for downloading music, it is still a way to subvert Empire. Not only are people refusing to pay, but it could also be argued that they are working in collaboration so that everyone can have access to music.
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