III: Unfair Games — Chapter 4

Summary

• Sadie comes up with an idea for a game "Both Sides" on the night her friend Sam goes missing. She draws inspiration from her life where she noticed the same situation could feel different based on your perspective.
• Sadie had felt this way when a friend from high school who she used to play food restriction games with died from an eating disorder at their funeral. She felt as if she had died instead of her friend.
• In a conversation with Sam, she explains her concept like the game command Xyzzy in Colossal Cave Adventure, where a player can switch between two places instantly. The idea is to have a game where you can live two different lives - an ordinary one and a heroic one.
• Sam, who had been away promoting games, is eager to collaborate with Sadie again on "Both Sides". However, his deteriorating physical condition due to issues with his foot becomes a concern for his roommate Marx.
• Marx speaks with Sam's doctor who says amputation seems inevitable due to Sam's foot condition. The doctor suggests that avoiding this procedure could lead to a life-threatening infection.
• Marx debates moving to California with his partner Zoe, who already has plans to move. She advises Marx to convince Sadie and Sam to move as well. She believes that this would be convenient for Sam who requires surgery and better for Sadie who needs to break up with her partner Dov.
• Marx speaks to Sadie and Sam separately, and convinces them on the move to California. Sadie agrees because of Sam's health situation while Sam agrees to help Sadie break ties with her partner Dov. The conclusion is that all three will move to California.