Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.22572/mi.29.1.5
From Mythology to Pop-Culture: Intertextuality in the Video Game The Witcher III
Morana Franov
orcid.org/0009-0001-8054-0159
; Sveučilište Sjever, Koprivnica
Gordana Tkalec
; Sveučilište Sjever, Koprivnica
Abstract
This paper presents a descriptive case study based on the formal analysis of gameplay of the video game The Witcher III: Wild Hunt. The objective is to determine the occurrence, levels and thematic aspects of the phenomenon of intertextuality. The purpose of this research is to showcase the levels of intertextuality and several different ways in which it is used, all of which contribute to the game’s interactivity, game engagement and, consequently, its appeal and success. The research has shown that intertextuality permeates all levels of the game – starting from its theme, through the titles and storylines of certain quests, all the way to the hidden messages. Intertextuality in this video game takes on verbal, written and visual forms. In its verbal attire, it is present in interactive and non-interactive characters, but also in the music. In writing, it is visible in letters, documents and books, but also in personal names, site names and epitaphs. The visual phenomenon of intertextuality is implemented through the design of the video game environment and comes to light primarily through the artwork that can be seen within the game. An interesting expression of intertextuality at hand is the game’s meta-reference to itself. In terms of thematic coverage, intertextuality referred to herein encompasses a wide variety of intertwined areas in relation to incidence, the most prominent of which are mythology, references to the Middle Ages, literature, fine arts, film, music, chemistry, economics, gastronomy. Also, the game teems with mentions of researchers, discoveries and scientific facts. The research contributes to a better understanding of the implementation of intertextuality from both the aspect of creating and playing video games.
Keywords
gameplay; intertextuality; quest; video games; The Witcher
Hrčak ID:
304803
URI
Publication date:
19.6.2023.
Visits: 1.068 *