The intentionality for the game is already a breakthrough in the genre, and may (hopefully) trigger a lot of similar “morphogenetic” ideas in upcoming video games titles and approaches to game design.
Could Spore be deeper? Of course! Could it be more inclusive and meaningful? Yes! Could it bring more integration among its levels? Sure! (especially because Spore offers a mozaic of different levels that seems more an agglomeration of mini-games than an integrated multi-leveled game) Could it be less superficial (flat) or "boring"? I think so. However, as a pioneer in this track, I highly support the concept, especially because the intention of the creator (and studio) was primarilly to create a fun game, not a truer 'mirror' or simulation of evolution.
Having said that, here are my main "integral perspectives" about Spore...
I think Spore is a great example of a "partial" (but true) approach to evolution, corresponding mostly to Wilber’s “Upper Right / Lower Right” Quadrant (behaviors, biology and social systems). Not surprisingly, it basically reflects some of the mainstream’s academic evolutionary studies and popular (more conventional) worldviews.
In terms of the AQAL Model, I did not see a direct, deep or clear “Upper Left & Lower Left Quadrants” (inner world/consciousness & deeper cultural aspects & worldviews) approach to the game and its play dynamics, which are basically flattened in the correspondent "Right Quadrant" expressions of evolution. Actually, I noticed a very little bit of a “Lower left” Quadrant approach to some cultural and relationship dynamics, but mostly viewed from a more conventional and “external” perspective. "Upper Left" Quadrant? (inner individual evolutionary realities). Insignificant, basically non-existent.
Interestingly, the game explores both sides of evolutionary patterns (e.g.: AQAL typologies of agency and communion): (1) ‘"Darwinian", "masculine" traits, competitive, win/loose dynamics (war, predatorial) and (2) cooperation, "feminine" traits, diplomacy, win-win dynamics (community, kinships). However, I think these complementary subjects could have been explored in more depth, polarity and nuances, and not be so oversimplified.
Due to all these factors, I consider Spore to be a great “initial step” idea towards a deeper, more mature, scientifically, and integrally sound simulations and discussions about evolution through the novel and powerful media of video games.
Since that was not the real intention of the designers, I am here pointing into a more "ideal" and rich situation, which I think would be feasible to create if based on an Integral-Developmental model. Actually, that could certainly add even more fun, usefulness (and truth) to the whole experience!
According to Ken Wilber and other “post-Piagetian” developmental psychologists, evolution naturally involves a more inclusive and integral approach that takes in account the interdependent and co-arising development of all Quadrants (or dimensions of reality), as well as other aspects of the AQAL model (Levels, Lines, States & Types) that relate to each one of those quadrants.
As of now (and like with most things in life), I can see both “dignities” and “disasters” coming from the Spore phenomenon as time goes by...
On one hand, it can provide a wonderful way to experience, through the interactive power and cheerfulness of play, some of the “partial” dynamics of evolution in more embodied and co-creative ways than in regular "schooling", preaching or reading educational methods.
On the other hand, it will risk “again” to underscore (and “dumb down”) the reality and importance of taking in account deeper, multi-perspectival and more inclusive evolutionary approaches that could be proactively learned and experienced through such a mass medium of communication. In Spore's case, that aim could translate into bringing more interior realities (consciousness, inner realities) and deeper/more complex cultural dynamics into the foreground of the game experience, hence being more integrated and truthful in relation to complementary evolutionary patterns, polarities or "laws" that have been currently set aside.
I also think that Spore's whole idea of bringing evolutionary concepts into video games will hopefully create the raw "sand box" material for integrally informed game designers to “digest”, brainstorm, and ideally create/complement this new "evolutionary" video game genre into future video game titles, for the enjoyment, development and better education (and transformation) of players of all ages, genres, cultures, interests, backgrounds and worldviews.
For me, “the sky is really the limit” of what video games and virtual reality simulators can provide in terms of interacting and exploring evolutionary dynamics.
In other words, in my view Spore can be a great game if you want to "taste" and experience some “partial” (true but limited) glimpses of evolutionary truths, while having some informal fun with the ultimatelly sacred (and mysterious) aspect of joyful creation!
Link to Spore website: http://www.spore.com
E N J O Y !
Moses Silbiger. M.A.
www.pressplaytogrow.com
www.integraleye.com
