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Reconfiguring Daoist Cultivation ina Video Game A Case Study of AMAZING CULTIVATION SIMULATOR

Authors :
Yuan, Ye
Source :
Journal for Religion, Film and Media, Vol Jahrgang 9 (2023), Iss Heft 1, Pp 105-132 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Karl Franzens Universität Graz, 2023.

Abstract

With Amazing Cultivation Simulator (GSQ Studio, CN 2019) as a case study, thisarticle analyses how this video game reconfigures the practice of self-cultivation,which has deep roots in religious Daoism, and how it was inspired by online novels ina contemporary context. The game draws on Daoist worldviews, the five elements,and cultivation methods which can be found in the Daoist scriptures. However, thereligious elements presented in the game are more aligned to reformed 20th centuryDaoism, while the game developers’ interpretation of cultivation follows secular andnationalistic discourses from the 20th century onwards. Those facts collectively markthe distance between the game and pre-20th century cultivation tradition, whichis underpinned by the abundant Daoist texts. In addition, cultivating transcendentnovels, mainly distributed online, provide readers with some cultivation narrationswhich are relevant but alternative to the Daoist cultivation tradition. The game borrowedfeatures from such online novels, so that the content of the game is in facta contemporary reconfiguration of heterogeneous sources. The game’s popularityand commercial success not only suggest that players accept such reconfigurationof cultivation, but also concede that the game somewhat satisfies the contemporarycomprehension of cultivation tradition. Through the media of video games, Daoistcultivation tradition is stimulated but reconstructed in the contemporary context.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
24140201 and 61024732
Volume :
Jahrgang 92023)
Issue :
Heft 1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Journal for Religion, Film and Media
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.516508cd61024732a98c3d5071142533
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.25364/05.9:2023.1.6