So if you know me well, you’ll all know my love of the show
30 Rock. When we were talking about the uncanny it reminded me of a bit of
wisdom that Frank said. Tracy Jordan wants to create a pornographic video game.
Frank explains that it’s been done before. “Many perverts have tried.” However,
the uncanny valley comes into effect and he explains it in terms of star wars
(see below).
Video games are a clear way of using the uncanny. From Grand
Theft Auto to the Sims, video games are trying to make humans look as real as
possible but keep them at a level where we know they aren’t actually real.
Seriously, you can adjust every detail of a person on The Sims when you create
them from cheekbones to bra size.
The uncanny allows an audience to know what is real. You
can’t see light without dark to know what light is, right? That disconnect that
the uncanny brings makes one appreciate what is real that much more.
I love that you brought up The Sims. This is a video game that I have always loved to play, but have always been thrown off by their insane and uncanny actions. They can go from engaging in the most human-like activities, such as watching tv, sleeping and then suddenly burst into the most absurd and bizzare behavior. Their movements and reactions can be very off putting and unhuman like. Also, like you said, the fact that you basically create them from name to bra size is letting you create your own little world. It's such a fun game, but so bizzare when you think about it.... I want to go play it now.
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