Adapt and Die: Ecocriticism and the Lovecraftian Sublime in Rainworld, Outer Wilds, Frostpunk, and Factorio

Abstract

Humanity has two good options: adaptation or death. This study explores the sublime as presented by Immanuel Kant and transfer his ideas in conjunction with ideas presented by H.P. Lovecraft. It further takes on an ecocritical lens using the works of Buell and Backe to establish various criteria to judge video games by. By analyzing four different games, Factorio, Frostpunk, Outer Wilds, and Rainworld in regards to how they present ideas of the sublime, this thesis aims to argue that through transhumanist and antihumanist philosophies these games show us ways we can overcome the sublime. Finally, by identifying the ways in which these video games present bleak narratives about climate change this thesis presents how these games can act as wake up calls to players regarding the issue of climate change.