· jaryd krishnan · about · 2 min read

Why Critian Zenith

The name Critian Zenith refers to the Platonic dialogue Critias, which has no ending.

About the name, where it comes from, and what it's inspired by

Why Critian Zenith?

Our company, Critian Zenith, is inspired by the Platonic dialogue “Critias” and its unfinished nature. We strive to create video games that capture the essence of this timeless work and embody its themes in our interactive experiences.

The Unfinished Dialogue: Critias

The “Critias,” as you may know, is a philosophical dialogue written by Plato. It explores the story of Atlantis, an advanced civilization that fell into corruption due to their unchecked ambition and power. In this work, Zeus prepares to address the divine leaders of Atlantis after witnessing their moral decline. However, the text ends abruptly at this point, leaving the fate of Atlantis uncertain.

Our Inspiration: The Unfinished Nature of Critias

We chose “Critian Zenith” as our company name because it represents the pinnacle moment in Plato’s dialogue – the instant before Zeus delivers his judgment upon Atlantis. As the story remains unfinished, we are left to speculate on what happens next: Would Zeus destroy Atlantis for its moral failings? How was Atlantis ultimately destroyed?

In the unfinished narrative of “Critias,” it is possible that an earthquake or a battle between gods might have been involved. However, considering Plato’s preference for symbolism and allegory, these events could represent metaphorical consequences rather than literal disasters. It is equally plausible that Athens, as the paragon of virtue in this dialogue, would be granted divine power to defeat Atlantis, signifying the triumph of justice over hubris.

Our Games: Philosophy Meets Gaming

At Critian Zenith, we aim to create immersive gaming experiences where players can explore vast worlds shaped by philosophical ideas and interact with a dynamic economy driven by their choices and actions. By incorporating philosophy into our storylines, we hope to provide layers of depth and opportunities for interpretation that extend beyond the typical video game narrative.

In essence, Critian Zenith is more than just a name – it represents an ongoing quest for growth, self-awareness, and moral development within both ourselves as creators and our players as they engage with our games. Through this shared journey of exploration and discovery, we strive to inspire change in the gaming industry and beyond.

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