Untitled Goose Game: Is it Good to be Bad?

The nameless goose of Untitled Goose Game has been declared an agent of chaos, but is it really chaos that makes inhabiting its destructive body so satisfying?
A further reading list, plus a lot of my own writing that was cut out of the final video, is available for $2 patrons: / whatssograce
Song in the credits: www.cullah.com/discography/al...
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► Patreon: / whatssograce
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[@guavajagular]

While I love the leftist interpretations of the Goose Game, the whole game was reframed for me at the very end, with the reward for finishing every goal. A shiny crown that you can only wear with the help of a townsperson. I had assumed you needed to manipulate the neighbours into giving it to you, like the ribbon, and ended up staring in disbelief when the clean neighbour calmy put the crown on my head, Looked me quietly for a moment, and returned to his business. That was actually the most radical thing that left me speechless about this game. That they'll all do it, no questions asked. All your past actions, no matter how disruptive, doesn't stop them from doing this one random act of kindness, just because. It made me want to do something nice for them. Which is pretty cool. It's important to remember that the townspeople are also faceless. We can assign villainy to them easily but like the goose, that interpretation isn't absolute. I like that, however unintentionally, the game reminded me that while not gory, it is still violent. And while that's perfectly reasonable and the catharsis is clearly appreciated, I like to remember how powerful the opposite can be as well, especially considering how little we see of it in gaming.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

That's a lovely addition to have at the end! That's the really interesting part of the goose/human dynamic (as ideas, rather than the specific goose and specific humans of the game). It's not an entirely antagonistic relationship, but it's not an entirely harmonious one either. Like the developers said, room for depth and nuance. :D

[@realreel8112]

Trots

[@TheBombson]

so is GTA a leftist game?

[@gateauxq4604]

The goose-secretly a monarchist snd therefore doesnt care about peasant systems of governance.

[@Angels-3xist]

Jaime Aguilar conflict is a conversation. it’s beginnings endings and standpoints are not static.

[@InnuendoStudios]

I am legit angry at how good this is how dare you

[@VileLasagna]

Oh so THIS is how the algorithm brought me here!

[@cristianoramon3465]

You prolly dont care but does any of you know a trick to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow forgot the password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me

[@brysenjasper6764]

@Cristiano Ramon Instablaster ;)

[@connordarvall8482]

What I took from the bell pit joke was that the goose is just part of the cycle rather than its destruction. Maybe part of the goose is that it's role in the structure is to consistently disrupt the structure, thus making the goose an unofficial part of it.

[@gewreid5946]

That's the message i saw in the game as well. Disrupting the order/system is a lot of fun and satisfying but doesn't lastingly or meaningfully change/improve it.

[@adamkelly2256]

Like Neo in The Marix.

[@zodayn4767]

Interesting is that the undefeatable opponent of the goose is a stoicist. Someone who doesn't want havoc to be made. But if their shoe just happens to get stolen by a goose, accepts it instead of unsuccessfully chasing it around.

[@rodrigosoto4827]

I disagree with the assessment on how dangerous geese are. I think they are vicious, violent, angry MFs.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

As I was looking at pictures of their toothed tongues, I have to say I was re-assessing my position.

[@Krypto137]

Listen to the expert bro kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZDTqIOee9uahNE

[@olbap.ollipmac]

There hasn't been a single time I've been around a goose and the monster doesn't attack.

[@petersvillage7447]

@@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat Well also, consider the words of the nursery rhyme 'Goosey Goosey Gander' and ask yourself if it doesn't sound like its describing the ravages of a religiously motivated goose-inquisitor who bursts into people's homes and, Witchfinder General-like, and does violence on those who don't sufficiently demonstrate their religiosity. 'There I found a bad man who wouldn't say his prayers, so I took him by the left leg and threw him down the stairs'! This goose also has no respect for the privacy of a lady - bursting into a lady's chamber unannounced - so he clearly feels able to go where he pleases in his quest to root out heresy. He's terrifying, and probably wears a little puritan hat and has a band of followers armed with agricultural implements.

[@lazaronen1786]

Geese and swans. Those psychopaths deserve each other.

[@Drawoon]

I came here from Architect of Games. "I was not expecting to enjoy a leftist reading of untitled goose game and the nature of taking back power as much as I did". My expectations were high, and you still managed to surpass them.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much!

[@TheHopperUK]

I have this on my Switch and my sister's two-year-old *adores* it. I enjoy how everyone who plays the game starts to roleplay the goose almost immediately. Angrily honking when thwarted, flapping wings at the gardener, dumping sandwich in the water for no reason. It's beautiful.

[@MedlifeCrisis]

This feels a lot like parenthood. Especially the bit about the father, I mean farmer, looking at the goose, neither speaking nor willing to concede. Were you also as amused as I that the interview about the Goose was in Vulture? Video is so so bloody good as always, but you're tired of superlatives from me so please just assume them from now on.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

I demand to be showered in superlatives at all times! (and thank you! 😄) Parenthood is a good comparison. As with the goose, a toddler's thoughts are gloriously unknown. And as someone with limited experience with Vulture, in my mind I like to think they're a platform advocating for the rights of bird citizens.

[@LimeyLassen]

It occurred to me a while ago that when animals behave the way humans do people call them "evil" or "chaotic". Bottom text

[@yuvalsela4482]

yeah, we live in a society that (BOTTOM TEXT)

[@sanderssides7390]

😂😂😂

[@user-ue6gg3zv3o]

*yes response 8 months ago* Can you explain that a bit more ive never had a pet nor anyone in my nesr circle so i dont get this comment

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Meanwhile certain animals get called "human" for exhibiting their own nature, just one that mirrors our own. (Ants and elephants exercising burials, etc.)

[@artemismoonbow2475]

The Trickster is a necessary spiritual component of human consciousness. It is the chaos that forces change and challenges the other parts of who we are that need to dominate, order, and exploit.

[@thiccboss4780]

yes y e s an essay about goose game

[@spencerdriggs373]

Wow, you beat out Philosophy Tube for my favorite video released today about fighting hierarchies through video games ;) Great essay as always!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Haha, thank you! :D

[@gabrielseanwallace3979]

I'm so out of touch with video games these days... Last one I played was Age of Empires 2, at the turn of the century... At the time I assumed that all games would just continue escalating in strategic complexity, growing in the scale of the universes they created and in the nuance of every character... About two decades later, I watch this video and realize that as long as there are people with imaginations and intellect sophisticated enough to fill any voids left by the game (narrative, symbolic, or otherwise), then even the simplicity of a small-town not-so-wild goose chase will have a place in the heart of gaming culture. Thank you for the wonderful and enlightening commentary, as always!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! I'm glad a game like this can still capture so many chaotic hearts. :D

[@Corporis]

What’s So Goose About That?

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

My new side channel :D All goose all the time!

[@Mark-the-Raider]

Adam Millard (Architect of Games) linked this in a recent video's description. Your channel was definitely worth the look and now I'm going to plow through the backlog.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@TheMeanTime98]

This is how I found your videos too! I adored this massively

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

@@TheMeanTime98 Thank you!

[@musicandshapes]

omg!!!! the tiger is out ... my fave!!!!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

It's so good! :D

[@teacupcircus]

iS ThAt A SNUFKIN QUOTe I HEaR? The goose does have a lot of snufkin energy actually

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

If it was, it was accidental, haha. Which one?

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

If it was, it was accidental, haha. Which one?

[@teacupcircus]

Which is from the moomins btw which if you haven't watched/read I implore you to investigate

[@vicepresidentfru1tly]

@@teacupcircus 'Be gay do crimes' is an LGBT protest slogan that got popular on twitter, mostly with an edit of an old political cartoon of a skeleton holding a sign that just says BE GAY DO CRIMES. But also, Snuffkin would've thrown the first brick at Stonewall.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

@@teacupcircus Ah, I see! I love the moomins! Didn't make the connection though. 'Be gay, do crimes' is an LGBT slogan which has since become a bit of a meme.

[@TheEmmaHouli]

"not really harm" sounds like someone has never come face to face with a goose before!!! :D :D :D

[@thesaestar3021]

I wish I saw this video when I was writing an academic essay about Untitled Goose Game and other similar games! I came to many of the same conclusions but it is interesting seeing how you interpreted the chaos factor as well. I hope this game goes down in internet history as showing chaos is only really the activeness of putting things where *you* think they belong.

[@Furore2323]

Be goose do crime.

[@LeanneModenPoet]

I played Firewatch after your essay on it, and absolutely loved it. Now I'm going to do the same with Untitled Goose Game ^_^

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

I hope you enjoy it!

[@theprince5573]

I'm glad you took something simple and just, very silly to disect like this. It really felt like you had fun and a lot of freedom to explorer several ideas and concepts that could be hidden within THE GOOSE. Really loved this video!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! Seriously dissecting silly things is so much fun. :D

[@nucleargandhi2709]

THE GOOSE IS OUT

[@randomcnando]

I have watched this, 8 months past it's creation, and am baffled it's only got 30k views. I hope more people discover your channel and it blows up exponentially. This was an extremely entertaining video, albeit one out of "left" field (pun 100% intended)

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Aww, thank you! :D

[@whyaminotsleepyet8377]

I love how every video you do has personality (this video and the speed of being online in particular) and your voice is so nice to listen to. Your videos are just a lot of fun to listen to/watch

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much! :D

[@lerouxpurple7766]

Your essays are so wonderfully engaging and written! Damn it's inspiring. Wonderful video as always!! : D

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much!

[@MattDraper]

I'd like to nominate this video for one of the best things of 2019. Not videos, just THINGS overall. Freaking great.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much! :D

[@AngryPeopleStudios]

There are few things I look forward to more than your videos! They're always a treat! Also thank you for intoducing me to my new favorite poem. I will look out for Nael's future work

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! I know, it's an unreasonably good poem!

[@LitosoPHie]

You are like.... the best thing that happend to video essays since kaptainkristian, you're really an inspiration to my work.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@Laughingtoyourself]

great essay as always! also i love how much humour is in your editing

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! It felt appropriate for this video, haha.

[@b-roaskie7233]

This might be my favorite video of yours yet! Nice and breezy, yet still getting across a lot. Excellent job!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@Banjeoin]

The academic text slowly encroaching upon the goose at 11:59 made me honk with laugher! This is such a brilliant essay!!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@aaronhuff3181]

How do you not have a million subs alreadyyyyy?

[@Tom_Nicholas]

This was awesome! I played the game (and 100%ed it because I love procrastinating...) fairly shortly after having re-read some of Raymond Williams' The Country and the City for a thing I was writing and so the idea of the "green and pleasant land" and the countryside as a container for "Englishness" really jumped out for me. Loved all the other themes you pulled out of it and the thing about us recreating capitalism in play/play not necessarily allowing us to escape capitalism too! Love your stuff, so insightful and insanely well-presented!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much! :D Concurrent reading is a great way to zone in on ideas, haha. (like I just happened to recently read that Benjamin Myers' book I quoted)

[@safflower_s]

it is such a nice video & such a nice analysis! now i'm filled with happiness because this channel can tell us WHY do we like things

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Came straight here from Adam Millard's video about The Longing, now I can't wait to consume all your stuff! I super appreciate how tidy your channel is, playlists and visuals, and all that.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Ahh thank you! I'm glad my orderliness is appreciated haha

[@kaihinjikalexander7007]

I’m applying to colleges now. I’m at a transition stage in my life I thought I wasn’t ready for. Thinking back, I thought I was still a little kid. But I’m not. I’m a young adult about to venture out. Your videos have helped me think about who I am and what I want to do with my life. It’s introduced me to new literature and media I haven’t experienced. It’s fantastic, truly. I’m alive and experiencing life. Thank you for teaching me lessons and themes I can look for in my own life.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad to hear that. :D

[@CatOnACell]

Rake in the lake is the closest I think to the goose ideas. There is a rake and the humans only see it as a rake and used for things only takes are used for. But what is it used for in a lake? Only the goose knows.

[@C4yne]

Somehow I associate the goose with absurdism

[@prestonderooy9862]

Came from Adam Millard and watched your adventure time video and I really enjoyed it! And this video is good as well, keep up the great work.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@brady6968]

Thanks for the amazing video i love your essay videos and I like your ability to write video essays on such a broad variety of topics. °³°

[@brady6968]

also nice editing

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@sweetpeabee4983]

I love your videos so much. It's been cold and rainy where I am for the past few days, and something about listening to you talk about the joys of being a degenerate goose up to no good is so fitting somehow. There's something cozy? about them, like a mug of hot tea on a chilly day under a pile of blankets but for your brain. Also this game sounds like an excellent Christmas present for someone I know (...yes, by someone I mean myself), so thanks!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy your Christmas present, haha.

[@DanGoldingVideoEssays]

Great video, Grace. Really enjoyed this analysis.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@costlycoffee4234]

Here from an architect of games video, though I'm sure my frequent viewing of leftist essays and game essays I would have eventually found my way here. Absolutely phenomenal video. The final poem and the music immediately proceeding was probably the craziest frisson inducing masterpiece I've ever witnessed. And you also got me thinking about everything in the lake.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much! :D

[@robYT_]

captivity was never an option

[@todayisokay4075]

Grace this was so good! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the game and the cognitive endeavour of life. It was fun 💛😄

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@Spookybluelights]

You know, usually your essays are pretty serious and dry and I love that, but this is probably the most fun I've felt you've had in a any of your previous videos.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Yes! That was my main aim in making it and this game seemed like the perfect opportunity to do something more fun. :D

[@astcastle]

This is a comment to show KZbin and the algorithm that I like WSGAT!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Take note, algorithm!

[@isweartofuckinggod]

I don't know if I really want to include this game in my political identity. I feel like I love this game in a much less grown-up way than that. It perfectly captures the harmless and carefree mischief that I got up to as a kid.

[@evanvollbrecht541]

Oh, this is brilliant. The best take on a wonderful game. I'm glad I found your channel :)

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@Blonguin]

Can we not also interpret The Goose as a downright Situationist? The havoc he causes - the interruptions from the spectacle of daily life - seem to me the actions of a good old Situationist! Also, fantastic video. I found your channel today and have been watching obsessively!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@Kronslew]

EVERYTHING IN THE LAKE!

[@Neonstalgia]

I wrote a poorly written essay about this game a couple months ago that covered really similar thoughts, and I wanted to use it as a base to make my first KZbin video! But I lost faith in my abilities to make it with the high standards I aspire towards, so I dropped the topic. I'm glad to see that was the right option because I could have *never* made something as well crafted, insightful, and entertaining as this. Thanks for being an inspiration to do better!!!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you, I'm glad you can take inspiration from it! Making anything takes practice, and your first video will likely never match your aspirations. I think the best way to learn is through doing, so just start something. :D

[@DavidWorley94]

Just wanted to say how much I love all your videos. You need a lot more appreciation for how much thought and effort goes into these well crafted essays. My particular favourite was your episode on Night In The Woods, one of my favourite indie games. Can I recommend The Dream Machine? I think you'd really enjoy it

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you so much! I haven't heard of The Dream Machine, thanks for the recommendation. :D

[@funkyou9614]

This may be my favourite video you've done

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@Nic33rd]

This was so funny! Another top notch deep dive.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@djobnoxious6407]

I really love your content, you're really onto something. Every statement on this paragraph is really real. Also, I'd like a list of your sources for each video. Because I'm that lazy member of your audience.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! A further reading list for each video is available for $2 patrons. I'm afraid only the wealthy can afford to be lazy! haha

[@Echosinfireify]

Thanks for sharing this

[@kimlikesflowers]

I clicked so quickly, this is already exactly what I needed, frick yes. Also [honk!]

[@tianbreznik1255]

This channel is gonna change the world one day

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

❤

[@ZiraAngel]

This video made me happy. Thanks for the rec, KZbin

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

:D

[@bleachitwhite]

ah fabulous video!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@mikeyjofalviton5046]

Look at the Facebook group “Untitled Goose Group” and after following the leftist goose meme trend and generally embody the be gay do crimes philosophy, it’s fascist/anti-Semitic/TERF mods flooded the group with weak memes for kyles and chads. It broke my heart

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

ugh

[@valravnsshadow9422]

Yeah fascists, anti semites, terfs, and that whole leftist collection of trash fucking sucks.

[@mikeyjofalviton5046]

Valravn's Shadow yo but the fuckin suckiest trash are those ace combat fans, amirite

[@dylankornberg4892]

When the Revolution comes, let the battle cry be: Rake in the Lake

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Hahaha!

[@exittea616]

11:53 "I like putting things where they aren't supposed to be" Would you look at that, so do I

[@berettapaige]

And now I have a fave new poem

[@dreamthief286]

peace was never an option

[@ewanhodson9627]

This was lovely little chaotic video (like the goose I guess). I can see the Goose being the more chaotic form of rambling, the idea that beings can walk wherever it likes is a concept that was a massive part of Leftist movements particularly British one's throughout history. What I'm try to say is the Goose is the Gaming Equivalent of the Kinder Scout...that maybe a bit of a reach.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! I love things that are a bit of a reach. :D

[@hunkyfunkyletsgetmonkey7464]

Very very clever analysis

[@lokiestraven]

Me: *This belongs in my [totally] anarchist Steam Library* ... Release Date late 2020. Damn you, Authorities!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

I know! I had to get it from Epic. -_-

[@georgier9151]

This is really great, and works bizarrely well with a session I ran at uni this past week (in accordance with the UCU strikes) on video games + activism. We even oft quoted Paolo Pedercini!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you, that's great to hear! :D

[@minch333]

When did I sub to this channel? It's great!

[@bitbandit1678]

Great video!!!!!!!

what an awesome video

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@michelgabe1629]

I loved everything you said :D I don't know, it might be, because i was on a climate protest today, but I got GOOSEBUMS when you talked about the goose being a symbol of revolution. I would love to see a serious nerdwriter-style essay on the meaning of this game, Maybe I should start doing videos and stop bothering other youtubers with my video ideas :D

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D A serous video... without puns?! :O

[@KristofskiKabuki]

I'm offended you didn't say "be goose, do crime"

[@submergedinstars]

I keep revisiting the I Threw It on the Ground parts. Thank you so much for this excellent and well-crafted video. 4:54 5:20

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@ImaBlackBelt42]

I now understand why I've been leftposting goose memes, thank you

[@fiverfrank]

yes YES the goose is out

[@josefstalin4418]

This game made geese my favourite animal

[@Communistgunmc]

Fredrik Knudson brought me here. And I love it!

[@SeanTBarrett]

The Lonely Island joke is so good, I'm surprised I haven't seen it meme-ing itself around on Twitter et al.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Haha, thank you!

[@exquisitecorpse4917]

"Be gay, do crimes" was definitely my slogan in high school =P

[@me_malene]

the tiger is also my fav poem

[@Chicken-vr5kx]

This video was super cute I loved it!

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you! :D

[@chilli1472]

very nice video. I like the game now

[@Lumberjack_king]

I once stole tons of objects and brought them to my lair I basically decorated it like a home

[@iamthepocketironpocket1889]

Fight the power, goose! Freedom is right!

[@williampym3741]

If the goose becomes an anarchist symbol, humanity will have succeeded.

[@cameronpadley117]

I learned to take the world by its tongue teeth

[@snailsnail]

adored it.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Thank you!

[@ItCameFromTheSkyBeLo]

"Ain't no such thing as Australia son!"

[@ItCameFromTheSkyBeLo]

Mess with the honk, get the bonk.

[@Lumberjack_king]

The humans and the goose merely coexist there not enemies nor are they allies the goose is simply a part of every day life

[@yogsothoth7594]

There will always be a little part of me that wants to release a gaggle of Geese into Polling stations later today.

[@WhatsSoGreatAboutThat]

Peace was never an option!

[@weirddrako5711]

"I Like Putting Things Where they dont Belong" 🤔

[@Theminkeyful]

To mangle a George Orwell quote, the real fight is between animals and humans. Or humans and geese.

[@TriXJester]

When i was in kindergarten we went to a near by farm, i got chased by their goose and have respected their power ever since.

[@SamChrisKombo]

Nice 😊

[@rionachreid5863]

The Debussy background music tho...