Kawika Guillermo, an author and associate professor of social justice at the University of British Columbia (UBC), visited the University of Alberta on October 30 and 31 to discuss their newest book, Of Floating Isles. This work delves into the emotional and communal significance of video games, exploring their role not merely as entertainment but as spaces for connection and personal reflection.
“Video games were just always there in my life, I guess,” Guillermo remarked, reflecting on how their identity as an Asian male and social awkwardness led others to assume their interest in gaming. “And they were right. But it was assumed.” For Guillermo, video games became a means to exert control and connect, especially with their twin brother, creating a bond that was uniquely tied to shared gaming experiences.
As Guillermo explained, memories of their formative years are often linked to specific games. “When I look back on my life and try to access memories and experiences, the first thing that would usually come to my mind was a game I was playing in those moments,” they said. This connection inspired Guillermo to write Of Floating Isles, stemming from a desire for a book that examines video games through the lenses of memory and autobiography. “I really wanted a book like that. I wanted to teach a book like that. And then at some point, I was like, you know, I’m probably well situated to write a book like this,” they stated.
Guillermo shared insights on how playing online games expanded their worldview, noting the unexpected relationships that can emerge from such interactions. “It connected you to people all over the world,” they said, referencing games where players both compete and collaborate. The early experiences of gaming were always about connection. “It was always about connecting with my brother. And then we often just used games to make each other laugh. The goal of the game wasn’t really to win, but to make the other person feel good.”
One standout title in this narrative is Counter-Strike, a game that Guillermo believes played a significant role in forming global communities reflective of its political context. “The game’s ability to create community space was just unheard of and really unexpected,” they remarked. Guillermo’s work also draws parallels between digital exploration in games and physical travel, emphasizing that both experiences reshape our perceptions. “Many games are about just wandering around. Open-world games push you to understand nature and cities and just to enjoy the process of walking through spaces,” they noted.
The title Of Floating Isles encapsulates the interplay between imagination and real-world reflection. Guillermo described it as a metaphor for the imaginary worlds that games create and the community spaces they foster. These “floating isles” are not isolated; rather, they serve as platforms for experimentation and connection, blending digital experiences with reality.
Writing the essays for this book was a deeply personal journey for Guillermo, as revisiting the games they played allowed them to confront difficult memories, including periods of personal struggle. Reflecting on their time with Elder Scrolls: Morrowind, they said, “Playing the game was one of the main ways I was able to re-access those moments,” using gameplay to navigate grief and isolation.
Guillermo emphasizes that games provide social and emotional support, even in solitude. “If you have no one to reach out to, games can make you feel like social animals,” they explained. Their unique perspective is informed by their experiences as an autistic individual who has explored Buddhism, allowing them to examine personal and sometimes embarrassing experiences without shame. “I don’t really feel embarrassed to share things. People can get a lot out of this, even if they think it’s funny. As long as they’re learning, it’s not really about me,” they stated.
Guillermo also highlighted the importance of understanding games in a broader socio-political context. “I hope that anybody who likes games and has opinions on games and wants to know more about them feels welcome to learn a lot about how they work,” they said. “To understand that we’ve been able to track the political and social effects of games and how they impact people in probably the most influential way we can imagine.” In Of Floating Isles, games are portrayed as essential tools for personal connection, identity exploration, and political awareness.
Guillermo’s essays challenge readers to recognize the profound impact of gaming, urging us to take the medium seriously. Understanding games not only equips individuals to navigate the digital landscapes they inhabit but also invites reflection on real-world consequences that often ripple through society.
