Creative Writing Commons^™

Atlas Planted, Annelise Belmonte

College of Computing and Digital Media Dissertations

In "Atlas Planted," the game world plays as a life theater production where the storyline is influenced by player and other characters in a metaphorical and literal gardening mechanic. The emphasis on selfish vs selfless action in regards to energy and foliage serves as a critique of social responsibility and objectivism, the philosophy developed by Ayn Rand where each person is their own hero. According to that philosophy, if everyone were free to pursue their own greatest desires without directly harming others, the whole world would be better for it. In the case of these characters, how they pursue their …