In class today we watched an interview with Anna Anthropy (since she couldn't make it to class) about the book she wrote.  While looking a bit nervous, she handled the questions well, and has a commanding presence about her.  Both in her book and in her presence in the gamin industry, she is able to bring a voice to those who are outside of norms.
I loved how she encourages ANYONE who has an idea for a game to go ahead and make it.  It reminds me of the Disney movie Ratatouille, where they say "anyone can cook".  It is an amazing power that she hands to the audience.  She seems to value everyone as a participant, and even more the people who do not fit the "gamer" mode.  I assume that this comes from her feeling on the outside of society, despite her talent and viewpoint on life.  Check out the interview here

Anna Anthropy

So for class we had to play two games, read a review about a book, and read an article all revolving around Anna Anthropy.  I chose to look at Dys4ia and Lesbian Spider Queens of Mars.  Both games carry Anna's 8-bit aesthetic, as well as a dark look into a sexuality that is less than mainstream.  LSQM was a fun game, although somewhat difficult when I was not trying my hardest.  It also was similar in game play to other games that I have played.  Dys4ia was totally a departure from a normal game, and was basically an autobiographical game.  I was not totally happy with the game play, but by playing the game, I got a glimpse of what it might feel like to be a person experiencing a transgender-ed life.  She is quite amazing.
After reading her article and the review of her book, I want to read her book, which is just up my ally, linking the importance of games to life.  I am a bit sad to have read that the book reads non-academic, as I feel that more people should be studying and writing about games, and should carry some weight to their writing so that more people would read them.  This seemed to be the reviewers (and mine after reading her article) only problem with her work.  Otherwise, I admire her for her game work, as well as her knowledge.  I look forward to pointing students to her work, and keeping up with her work on my own.