Game Development in the context of ARTeCHO fellowship 2023 - 2024

DeCeNTRaLiZiNG ReaLiTy

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Navigating the Symbolic Landscape of Consensus

DeCeNTRaLiZiNG ReaLiTy is interactive graphic web novel by Fanny Zaman conceived in the context of the ARTeCHO fellowship March - November 2023

Down the Rabbit Hole of the Symbolic Landscape of Blockchain Technology Exploring the symbolic world of blockchain technology evoked for me the whimsical universe of Carroll’s Alice, filled with grids, codes, and mysteries. This was the basic strand through which my interactive graphic novel, Decentralized Reality, came about. In this work, I intertwine metaphorical narratives with political and technological fiction. This exploration of decentralization within blockchain technology led to a reflection on the concept of consensus in our democratic society, exemplified by the Byzantine Fault of the blockchain.

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Coined by Lamport, Shostak, and Pease in 1982, the Byzantine Fault stems from a scenario where Byzantine generals must reach consensus regarding a binary military maneuver: attack or retreat. The problem appears unsolvable, yet choices must be made. As we explore this blend of metaphor, military strategy, and technology, we dwell on storytelling as problem solving technique. Reflecting on past revolutions and our current reality, characterized by social disunity and authoritarianism, we face the challenge of preserving democratic values. Despite radical differences, consensus remains crucial, shaping decision-making and action. However, in this calculated system, random data can also simulate consensus. This raises questions about the sustainability of radical consensus. What seems logical in calculations takes on a new dimension within an emotional and social reality.