Universe of Teleological Illth: A Critique of StarCraft 2

Abstract

This paper critically examines the computer game StarCraft 2, and argues that the game serves as a model of teleological illth. The StarCraft 2 universe leaves no room for peace, cultural development, or alternative horizons of being because the intentional industrialized production of destruction (i.e. teleological illth) creates a kind of logical insanity where total war is at least validated if not indispensable. These limited horizons inform the player-reader of the game about the universe of StarCraft 2 and act as an implicit apologist for this worldview. By way of considering the buildings, upgrades and units as teleological illth and reading the ways in which the StarCraft 2 universe demands illth to sustain, this paper critically examines the validation and cultivation of illth as a problematic horizon of meaning. Through this critical reading of StarCraft 2, the authors offer a framework for critique which naturally extends to most of the Real-Time Strategy genre and most war games generally.