Quick Read
John Garvin’s Critique: Days Gone – Reducing the Character of Deacon St. John to a Cartoon Stereotype
John Garvin’s
on
Days Gone
has stirred up a significant debate within the gaming community, particularly regarding the character development of Deacon St. John.
Deacon’s Role and Reduction
Deacon St. John, a former biker gang member turned survivor in Days Gone, serves as the player’s companion and radio confidant. However, according to Garvin, his character is reduced to a cartoon stereotype.
Garvin’s Analysis
In his analysis, Garvin argues that Deacon is portrayed as a one-dimensional character with excessive swearing and sexually explicit comments.
Explicit Content
Garvin points out that the excessive use of profanity and sexually explicit content in Deacon’s dialogues detracts from his development as a complex character.
Lack of Depth
Furthermore, Garvin criticizes the game for not providing sufficient context to understand Deacon’s motivations and past experiences.
Character Development
Garvin suggests that a more nuanced portrayal of Deacon’s character could have resulted in a more compelling and engaging experience for players.
Community Reaction
The community reaction to Garvin’s critique has been mixed, with some agreeing that Deacon’s character development leaves much to be desired, while others defend the game’s authentic portrayal of a hardened biker survivor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Garvin’s critique of Days Gone’s portrayal of Deacon St. John raises important questions about the role of explicit content in character development and the potential for more nuanced storytelling in video games.
I. Introduction
Days Gone, an open-world, post-apocalyptic game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has been a subject of much discussion in the gaming community since its release in 2019. The game is set in a harsh wilderness of Oregon, overrun by zombie-like creatures known as Freakers, where surviving the day requires constant vigilance and resourcefulness. Bend Studio, an independent game development company based in Anaheim, California, is known for its innovative storytelling and immersive gameplay. The studio’s previous works include the Syphon Filter series and Uncharted: Golden Abyss.
Open-World, Post-Apocalyptic Setting
In Days Gone, players step into the boots of Deacon St. John, a former outlaw turned biker gang member, who embarks on a journey to find his lost girlfriend. The game’s setting is vast, with expansive forests, abandoned towns, and diverse wildlife, allowing players to explore the open world at their own pace. The post-apocalyptic environment presents numerous challenges, from navigating treacherous terrain to encountering hostile human survivors and the relentless Freakers.
John Garvin – Critic and Journalist
John Garvin
John Garvin, an esteemed figure in the gaming industry, has been a critic and journalist for over two decades. He started his career at GamePro, where he honed his skills in game reviews, previews, and features. Later, Garvin joined IGN, becoming their executive editor and overseeing the site’s expansion into new markets. His expertise lies in his deep understanding of gaming culture, trends, and critically analyzing games from various genres.
Critique of Days Gone and Deacon St. John
Garvin’s critique of Days Gone sparked debate within the gaming community. He argued that Deacon St. John, the game’s protagonist, was reduced to a cartoon stereotype. According to Garvin, the character lacked depth and complexity, which diminished the player’s connection to him. His analysis raised questions about the role of stereotypes in gaming and the importance of character development in creating engaging experiences.
Background of Days Gone: Character Development of Deacon St. John
Deacon St. John, the protagonist of Days Gone, is a complex character with a compelling backstory that shapes his motivations and actions throughout the game.
Overview
Deacon, a former biker gang member, has a troubled past. He lost his wife, Sarah, in a motorcycle accident before the outbreak of the Freakers, a zombie-like species that took over the world. This loss deeply affected him and haunts him throughout the game.
Relationship with Sarah
Sarah was Deacon’s rock, his reason for living. Her death left him devastated and unable to cope with the grief. He carries her photo everywhere he goes as a reminder of their love and the life they could have had together.
Survival Skills
Deacon’s past as a biker gang member equipped him with valuable survival skills. He is an expert mechanic, able to fix and modify motorcycles, cars, and other machines. This skill becomes essential in the post-apocalyptic world where resources are scarce.
Drifting towards Darker Sides
As the world descends into chaos, Deacon is forced to make tough decisions to protect his family and friends. He drifts towards darker sides, becoming more ruthless and violent. This transformation is a result of his love for Sarah and his desire to keep those close to him safe.
Role in the Narrative
Deacon’s character arc is a significant part of the narrative. The game’s storyline revolves around him, and his actions lead to various plot twists. One such twist involves the revelation that Sarah may not be dead after all. This emotional rollercoaster adds depth to Deacon’s character and makes the game more engaging.
Emotional Impact
The emotional impact of Deacon’s character development is palpable. Players invest time and emotions into his journey, making his struggles and victories their own. Deacon’s story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love and hope can keep us going.
I John Garvin’s Critique:: In his critique of “Days Gone,” John Garvin raises several points regarding the character development and portrayal of the protagonist, Deacon St. John. Let’s delve deeper into his arguments and analyze their merits.
Point 1:: Deacon as a Cartoonish Schill for Narrative Convenience
Garvin’s argument:: Garvin asserts that Deacon is an overly simplified character lacking depth and frequently makes decisions for the sake of plot convenience. The character’s actions sometimes appear unrealistic or out-of-character.
Analysis:: For instance, in one scene, Deacon makes a hasty decision to rescue an NPC without considering the potential danger. While some might argue that this is a typical choice for a heroic character, others may find it unrealistic or contrived. However, considering Deacon’s background as a biker and his personal connections to the NPC in question, this decision could be seen as a natural response driven by his emotions.
Counterarguments:
Additionally, Deacon’s decisions could be motivated by his desire to protect those close to him or his sense of loyalty. These motivations fit well within the game’s overall narrative, which revolves around survival and human connections in a post-apocalyptic world.
Point 2:: Deacon as a Cartoonish Portrayal of PTSD Symptoms and Experiences
Garvin’s argument:: Garvin believes that Deacon’s PTSD is overdramatized, lacking nuance or accurate representation. He argues that the character’s symptoms are used solely for narrative effect.
Analysis:
However, let’s examine the accuracy and realism of Days Gone’s portrayal of PTSD symptoms. Scholarly resources and personal accounts suggest that PTSD can manifest in various ways, including heightened startle responses, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and emotional numbness. Deacon exhibits several of these symptoms throughout the game.
Example:
For instance, in one scene, Deacon experiences a flashback triggered by a motorcycle engine’s revving. This response is consistent with the hyperarousal and startle responses commonly associated with PTSD.
Comparison:
Moreover, other video games and media tackle similar themes but handle the representation of PTSD more subtly. For example, “The Last of Us Part II” portrays Ellie’s trauma through subtle visual and auditory cues, allowing players to engage more deeply with her character.
Conclusion
Garvin’s critiques against Days Gone‘s narrative and character development have sparked significant debate within the gaming community. Let’s summarize his arguments and the analysis provided in response to each point.
Garvin’s Critiques
Garvin argued that Days Gone‘s narrative is predictable and lacks depth, specifically when it comes to the character development of Deacon St. John. He believed that Deacon’s mental health issues were not adequately explored or resolved, and that his redemption story was clichéd.
Response to Garvin’s Critiques
Some critics and fans disagreed with Garvin, arguing that Days Gone‘s narrative is effective in exploring the complexities of survival, loss, and redemption. They believed that Deacon’s mental health struggles were portrayed realistically and that his journey towards forgiveness was authentic and relatable.
Evaluation of the Arguments
The validity of Garvin’s critique ultimately depends on individual perspectives. Some may argue that the game’s narrative and character development are compelling and well-executed, while others may find it predictable or lacking depth. The debate highlights the importance of nuanced storytelling in video games, particularly when it comes to complex character development and mental health themes.
Final Thoughts on Days Gone, Deacon St. John, and Garvin’s Critique
Despite the debate, it is clear that Days Gone offers a unique and engaging experience. Deacon St. John’s character arc may not be perfect, but it is an authentic portrayal of a survivor grappling with his past mistakes and struggling to find redemption in a harsh world. Garvin’s critique raises important questions about the depiction of mental health in video games, and it serves as a reminder that nuanced and realistic portrayals are essential for authentic storytelling.
Implications for Future Games
Garvin’s critique also has implications for future games in the genre, particularly those focusing on complex character development and mental health themes. Developers must ensure that these themes are portrayed realistically and sensitively to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or oversimplifying complex issues. By engaging with critical perspectives like Garvin’s, the gaming industry can continue to push boundaries and create more authentic and nuanced stories.
