Seeing Reality Through the Virtual: Discovering 'Who I Am' in the World of Games (Part 1)

Translated by AI

Everyone is a Unique 'Me'

The concept of the "Brain in a Vat"* was introduced by philosopher Hilary Whitehall Putnam. It is a renowned philosophical thought experiment that questions the authenticity of our perception of reality. Imagine if our consciousness were merely a brain placed in a vat, experiencing the world through computer simulations: would our experiences be real? This thought experiment challenges our understanding of the body, mind, and soul. Modern technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, have blurred the lines between the real and the fictional worlds. Using games as a form of simulated reality provides an analogy for us to ponder: Are our perceptions and experiences merely a part of a 'game'?

In an era where virtual reality and artificial intelligence are advancing rapidly, games not only replicate reality but also lead us to deeply reflect on whether everything we experience is merely a part of a 'game'. Of course, there is currently no definitive answer, but neither can we dismiss this possibility. Thus, viewing games as a mirror reflecting our inner doubts, we start questioning whether our perceptions, memories, and self-identity are inherently real or if they originate from some design and setting.

We can adopt a "reverse engineering**" perspective to gain a deeper understanding of this game called "life." It prompts us to ask what experiences are intended (What), how these experiences are provided (How), and why we are meant to have these experiences (Why).

Suppose our brain were situated in a vat and all sensory experiences were illusions generated by external stimuli. In this case, the immersive experiences offered by virtual reality lead one to wonder: Can our reality also be manipulated in this manner—whether through technological influence, societal expectations, or personal beliefs? Could these external elements subtly "shape" our lifestyle, beliefs, and decisions?

Such reflections compel us to reconsider the authenticity of "self" and encourage us to maintain a critical mindset to distinguish which beliefs are truly our own and which might just be projections from family, peers, or society. By drawing analogies between gaming and life, we delve into the role of the body as a vessel, the mind as a perceiver, and the soul as a deeper reality. We explore how from the "limitations of the body," the "constraints of the mind," and the "uniqueness of the soul," an unparalleled "me" is constructed.

Further Reading: Essential Course for Game Designers: How to 'Deeply' Play a Game?

Limitations of the Body

In games, a character's actions are limited by physical rules, whether it's their speed, jump height, or stamina and health status—these are dictated by the game's settings, much like being a "puppet on strings," acting within a predefined set of rules. For instance, a character may be unable to fly or overcome certain obstacles, requiring players to adhere to the physical laws within the game. Similarly, in reality, our bodies face physical limitations such as gravity, fatigue, injury, and aging, affecting how we move, work, and exercise, both in daily life and sports.

Take "aging" as an example. Aging is an inevitable natural process governed by fundamental biological and physical rules, yet unlike game mechanics, it lacks a clear mechanism and varies with individuals. As age progresses or with an unhealthy lifestyle, the cells, organs, and systems of the body gradually lose function, leading to a decline in strength, speed, and recovery capabilities, akin to a character's stamina bar or attribute values depleting over time in a game.

In reality, aging is a "new challenge" everyone faces, often experienced differently at various life stages. Through continuous adjustment and learning, life offers no absolute guidelines, influencing our daily decisions and actions, much like how players consider a character's decreasing abilities to adapt strategies in a game. We must not only adapt to the changing body but also find ways to delay or counteract aging, spurring deep contemplation on body, mind, and self-awareness.

These bodily limitations affect not only the gaming experience but also significantly influence player decisions. Players must factor in characters' weaknesses and physical conditions to strategize, coping with potential failures or success. Similarly, in reality, we constantly consider our own physical and bodily conditions, adjusting behaviors and goals according to these limitations. This self-awareness helps us recognize the body's constraints as a mechanism, allowing us to make more effective choices applicable to both games and life.

Inspired by the 'Brain in a Vat' and acknowledging "the limitations of the body," in the next article, we will continue exploring "the constraints of the mind" and "the uniqueness of the soul," guiding readers on a continual journey to discover "who am I."