Ah, the itch.io community, a gathering of game developers, enthusiasts, and players alike. But among the various activities that go on in this vibrant ecosystem, there is one that stands out: users writing essays.
Let’s talk about itch.io essays in general, so the itch narrowers don’t get offended:
Yes, you read that right. It's not just about playing games, making games, or chatting with fellow itch.io users. Some of them have a serious itch (pun intended) for writing long-form pieces on games, game development, and gaming culture. And as someone who has read a fair share of these essays, I can tell you that they can be both insightful and hilarious.
First, let's talk about the writing itself. It's not uncommon to find essays on itch.io that are longer than the games they're discussing. And unlike traditional essays that have a clear structure and argument, itch.io essays tend to take on a more meandering, stream-of-consciousness style. One minute, you're reading about the author's personal history with the game, the next you're being regaled with anecdotes from their childhood.
But it's not just the style of writing that's entertaining. It's the content as well. You'll find essays on itch.io that cover a wide range of topics, from the intricacies of game design to the social dynamics of online gaming. And then there are the essays that are just plain weird, like the one that argues that "Animal Crossing" is a metaphor for capitalism or the one that imagines a world where "Pac-Man" is a character in "Game of Thrones."
Perhaps the most amusing thing about itch.io essays is the sheer passion that the authors bring to their writing. These are not dispassionate analyses of games; they're love letters, rants, and pleas for developers to do better. You can feel the author's excitement or frustration seeping through every word, and it's infectious. Even if you don't agree with their opinions, you can't help but be swept up in their enthusiasm.
Of course, as with any online community, there are also some itch.io essays that are just plain bad. There are the ones that are filled with typos and grammatical errors, the ones that make no sense, and the ones that are just plain offensive. But even these essays have their own charm. There's something endearing about someone who's so excited about a game or a topic that they're willing to put their thoughts out there, warts and all.
In the end, I think that's what makes itch.io essays so special. They're not polished or refined, but they're full of heart. They're the product of a community that's passionate about games and about expressing themselves. And even if they're not always serious or scholarly, they're always entertaining. So the next time you're on itch.io, take a moment to read some of the essays. You might just find yourself laughing, crying, suffering, or learning something new.
I’m just saying.