In today’s ever-changing world, video games have become a spiritual sustenance for young people, especially “PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS”. The map “Erangel” is a deserted island, which not only symbolizes the cruelty of war, but also implies the impermanence of life. Recently, a new landscape has been added to the island. Unexpectedly, an abandoned gas station has been converted into “KFC”, and its red and white sign is reflected in the wilderness, which is particularly eye-catching.
This “landing” is not just a name. Players can order food here by themselves and choose a “fried chicken meal”. It contains three items, which are symbols of the game function: chicken legs have the function of first aid kits, French fries are like bandages to treat injuries, and drinks are like energy drinks for replenishment. When the character uses it, the movements are vivid, and biting the chicken legs is like real enjoyment, which is quite ritualistic. This move is not just for entertainment, but also implies the care of “humanity”, highlighting the pursuit of warmth in life in the modern virtual world.
Although people are in the midst of disputes and wars, they still have a desire for food in their hearts. This move is just like the ancients’ meaning of “wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha stays in the heart”. In the turmoil of the world, even if life and death are at stake, you must enjoy a moment of peace in an instant to prolong your life. This setting reminds me of the travelers on the ancient road of the Central Plains, who traveled thousands of miles to a post station and ate a bowl of hot soup. Although it is insignificant, it is a great thing to comfort the soul.
And the KFC has set a limit. Each player can only order food once in each store, and it must be reused in the fourth stage of the game, just like a precept, teaching the virtues of moderation and self-discipline. Life is the same. Too much is as bad as too little. Between gains and losses, you must grasp the degree to be able to last long and safe.
Not only Erangel, but also Miramar, Sanhok, and Vikendi maps all have this mark, and even the planes taking off are hung with banners, which seem to show the universal values that permeate everywhere in the virtual world. This widespread dissemination is no different from the flow of culture, and the interweaving of business and entertainment is not only a capital game, but also a symbol of the common needs of mankind.
I look at this scene and feel emotional. Modern society is full of sufferings and people are easily tired. Although the electronic world is not real, it is a reflection of reality. Players seek vitality in the smoke of gunfire, and also want to find a touch of human touch in the “fried chicken meal”. This is like the old scholars buying a piece of cake in the deserted village market to relieve homesickness and hunger. The feelings of life are not about fame and fortune, but about this moment of warmth and comfort.
Therefore, the game and reality are reflected, war and peace coexist, and killing and comfort go hand in hand. That bite of fried chicken, although virtual, is also a carrier of real emotions and a place where people’s hearts belong in modern society. It teaches people not to forget warmth in times of crisis, and to maintain order in chaos.
From this perspective, technology is changing with each passing day, and the game world is becoming more and more advanced, but its core remains unchanged: the coexistence of the beauty and suffering of human nature, the preciousness and impermanence of life, can all be seen through a “fried chicken meal”. If we can learn peace and moderation from it, we will not let down the trust of this era.