Column: 'The Esoteric Beat: David Braben and the Existentialist Money Men'

In another of today's articles, regular columnist Jim Rossignol takes a look at the latest goings-on in esoteric game topics for 'The Esoteric Beat' column, including looks at open ends and escapist moneymen. In this extract, Rossignol responds to a recent quote by Elite co-creator David Braben discussing his hopes for truly open-ended gameplay in what he describes as the "fifth generation" of interactive entertainment: "It could indeed be true that the next generation are to be open ended, or it could the case that the likes of Valve will continue to hide the linearity by creating even more convincing illusions. Their art is making you believe that there is only one decision to be made. And isn't that the real trick - not allowing the gamer's imagination to wander too far? Surely if he's not pulled out of thinking that next event is indeed the logical step, then the linearity is never obvious and the story works? It's tricky terrain for anyone, even development Gods like Braben." You can now read the full Gamasutra column on the subject, including discussion of the social aspects of online gaming (no registration required, please feel free to link to the article from external websites).