What? Your father-in-who?

Welcome to Why My Father-In-Law Should Respect Videogames (the fans are called WMFILSRVers), written by me, Brandon Garner, a writer and playwright. This is a place where I analyze videogame storytelling and how it works (or doesn't).

Videogames are in an interesting era, achieving some of the greatest mind-changing storytelling ever conceived while also existing as “screentime” according to my aunt, or “a place where children are allowed to gamble for some reason” according to the most governments. I don’t want people think about it this way, so join me.

With that, I believe some helpful DOs and DON’Ts will tell you everything you need to know about this newsletter.

DON’T

Say “Final Fantasy XVI sucks.”

DO

Say “I thought the emphasis of momentum over character-building moments led to a story that lacked catharsis, and thus Final Fantasy XVI sucks.”

DON’T

Say “I didn’t enjoy the Charlie Kaufman masterpiece I’m Thinking of Ending Things.”

DO

Say “Brandon really knows what he’s talking about when it comes to Charlie Kaufman’s masterpiece I’m Thinking of Ending Things.”

If everyone learns to speak about videogames with the maturity that this sixty-odd year-old medium deserves, then maybe my father-in-law will finally respect videogames.

How much does this cost?

Nothing! I have no intention of monetizing your eyeballs. I hope that’s OK with you. If you really want to help, follow me on Instagram or Tiktok where I post weekly videos, since social media followers is the only real currency anymore (kill me).

Do you have any friends?

Weird question! But I am a part of the Hit Points Webring, where you can find other wonderful people, including writers, developers, and photographers.