How does one approach a video game as a critical object of analysis? In relation to legacy media such as literature and film, methods for reading video games as objects have been hugely under-theorized. Let’s explore this question through a group close reading of the prologue of Nier: Automata (2017), a critically acclaimed title developed by Square Enix title. Together, we’ll produce a commentary on the game and reflect on what it means to “close read” or “annotate” a video game as such. Students interested in the study of digital games are encouraged to attend. [read more]