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A concept that’s proven illuminating for those just learning about it is the idea of model collapse. The term originated in the field of machine learning to describe the information degradation that happens when A.I. algorithms start learning from each other too much and fall into incestuous feedback loops. But it can happen in any system with a heavy reliacne on models.
That was one of the more fascinating topics I discussed last night with top roleplaying game designer Alexander Macris. As he pointed out, the decline we see across the board in places like Hollywood and oldpub fits the pattern of model collapse. Most writers of Current Year entertainment product are so far removed from real-world experience that their collective output is now just a degrading series of Xeroxes.
Even more interesting is Alexander’s theory that tabletop roleplaying games may offer a way out of the model collapse death spiral–at least in entertainment. TTRPG adaptations were once considered low-quality product. That stigma arose in the 80s and 90s when more degrees of separation stood between the state of gaming and writers like Tolkien and Hemingway who actually had real-life adventures. Time and cultural drift have now left most writers more distant from IRL experience than gamers, who at least simulate high-stakes adventures.
Alexander and I get into all of that–plus many other subjects, including his endorsement of neopatronage, on the stream. Catch the replay here:
And be advised: The crowdfunding campaign for my new dark fantasy novel Lord of Fate has just 2 days left. Don’t miss your last chance to get exclusive rewards and unlock the audio version of my previous thrilling novel The Burned Book.
Time is running out, so don’t wait. Back it on Kickstarter now.