• Now THIS is Podracing! Ludic and Narrative Friction in Star Wars Episode 1: Racer

    Author(s):
    Justin Wigard (see profile)
    Date:
    2021
    Group(s):
    Children's literature and digital humanities, Film Studies, Game Studies
    Subject(s):
    Games--Study and teaching, Popular culture, Popular culture--Study and teaching
    Item Type:
    Presentation
    Meeting Title:
    Realizing Resistance Episode II: Uncharted Galaxies
    Meeting Org.:
    Digital Frontiers
    Meeting Loc.:
    Virtual
    Meeting Date:
    May 4-7, 2021
    Tag(s):
    Star Wars, episode 1, podracing, Video Game, Game studies, Popular culture studies, Film studies
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/tpfr-9p21
    Abstract:
    Abstract: In Star Wars Episode I: Racer (1999), players choose between several different podracers (including Anakin Skywalker and Sebulba), and compete in racing tournaments on several planets. While the game currently holds the Guinness record as the best-selling sci-fi racing game of all time and was re-released for Nintendo Switch in 2020, Episode 1: Racer is also notable for the multiple ways that resistance manifests within the game’s design and within the narrative itself. One primary expression is game design friction — specific mechanics which slow the player down and thereby extend player engagement. As one example, rather than allow the player to boost engines indefinitely, the engines slowly heat up, forcing players to choose releasing the boost immediately or resisting the friction, pushing their podracer right up to the point of explosion for exponential speed. Narratively, players begin at the bottom of the podracing league with access to several underpowered podracer rigs. By winning races, players can purchase extremely costly new parts directly from Watto, or, purchase used and damaged junkyard upgrades. They have to choose between racing for a safe-but-lower payout for a top 4 finish, or gamble more on a winner-take-all high payout. Taken together, Episode 1: Racer is ingrained with resistance, and, incumbent on overcoming that same resistance. Ultimately, I demonstrate not only the game’s visible and hidden design frictions/narrative constraints, but show how podracing itself acts as a resistance to systems of economic inequality within the Star Wars universe.
    Notes:
    This presentation was delivered on Thursday, May 6th, as part of the Realizing Resistance Episode II conference, and will be part of a larger work.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    2 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved

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