Shawn Kittelsen, VP Creative at Skydance Interactive, discusses how pop media like comic books and video games help us see societal choices. They delve into his new comic 'Heart Attack' and its journey to publication. They also explore the struggles of post-war veterans, the impact of evictions on veterans in the 1930s, the effects of LSD on beliefs, the importance of compassion in art, discussions on Hamas and Palestine, and the significance of kindness and generosity in today's world.
The power of personal interactions and working locally can create positive change in society.
Becoming a parent brings a deeper connection to mortality and a renewed appreciation for the present.
Video games offer immersive storytelling experiences that empower players to find their own stories.
Deep dives
Finding Meaning in Moments of Connection
The speaker reflects on the profound impact of personal interactions in creating positive change. They emphasize the importance of working locally within communities and nurturing spaces of peace and compassion. The speaker shares how chasing social media engagement and numbers is ultimately unfulfilling, and instead finds fulfillment in the intimate connections made through their work, such as receiving feedback from individuals who felt deeply connected to their writing.
The Transformational Power of Parenthood
The speaker discusses the transformative experience of becoming a parent. They share a personal moment when their child opened their eyes and they were struck by the realization that their child is their first blood relative. This experience leads to a deeper connection to their own mortality and a renewed appreciation for the present. The speaker contemplates the vulnerability and responsibility of parenthood, acknowledging that the exposure to love and loss is an integral part of the journey.
Reflecting on Mortality and Making Positive Choices
The speaker reflects on their own mortality after experiencing a heart attack. This moment becomes a catalyst for reassessment and making positive changes in their life. They are reminded of the fragility of life and the need to be more present and intentional in their actions and choices. They recognize the importance of planning for the future, such as getting life insurance, while also cherishing the mundane and joyful moments that make up the everyday.
The Power of Games to Create Unique Narratives and Experiences
Games, specifically video games, offer a unique opportunity for players to engage with richly scripted experiences that are more reactive to the player's choices and actions. Unlike traditional storytelling mediums, games invite players to explore a multiverse of possibilities, allowing them to find their own stories and experiment with expression. This offers a level of engagement and immersion that is unmatched in other forms of media. Games like Disco Elysium and Baldur's Gate 3 exemplify the potential for games to simulate the experience of tabletop role-playing games and offer vividly realized worlds. The expanding gaming landscape is moving towards narratives that recognize and react to the individual player, rather than expecting players to conform to predefined rules.
The Importance of Connection and Real-Life Experiences
In a world heavily influenced by social media and online interactions, there is a growing appreciation for genuine connections and real-life experiences. The podcast explores the idea that true satisfaction and joy come from direct, personal connections with others, rather than chasing fame or social media validation. The power of a hug, a shared moment, or a heartfelt conversation is emphasized as an essential part of being human. The conversation also touches on the significance of focusing on local communities and making a difference in individual lives, rather than solely aiming for large-scale top-down changes. By reevaluating the importance of real connections and prioritizing smaller, more personal acts, there is a potential to create meaningful change and foster a sense of unity and empathy.
Vice President, Creative at Skydance Interactive Shawn Kittelsen considers our society in revolt, and how pop media from comic books to video games help us see the choices before us
📕 Kittelsen’s new comic, Heart Attack, is now available!
About Shawn Kittelsen
Shawn Kittelsen is the Vice President, Creative at Skydance Interactive.
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