# Arbitrary Metric

> video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q70258963](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70258963)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/arbitrary-metric

## Summary  
Arbitrary Metric is a video game developer and publisher known for creating the horror game *Paratopic*. The studio operates within the video game industry, focusing on independent game development with a strong emphasis on narrative design and atmospheric horror.

## Key Facts  
- **Classification:** Video game developer, video game publisher  
- **Industry:** Video game industry  
- **Notable Work:** *Paratopic*  
- **Website:** [http://www.arbitrarymetric.com/](http://www.arbitrarymetric.com/)  
- **Aliases:** ParatopicTeam  
- **Founded:** Exact date unknown; active by 2018 (first YouTube upload)  
- **YouTube Channel Handle:** @arbitrarymetric  
- **YouTube Channel ID:** UCmEaZuv52hQA0-Vsw7utPBw  
  - Channel name: *Arbitrary Metric*  
  - Subscribers (as of 2020-12-20): ~158  
  - Total views (as of 2020-12-20): 39,966  
  - Videos published (as of 2020-12-20): 3  
  - Channel created: 2018-07-31  
- **GameFAQs Company ID:** 202434  
- **Metacritic Company ID:** paratopicteam  
- **VideoGameGeek Company ID:** 43745  
- **Internet Game Database (IGDB) Company ID:** arbitrary-metric  
- **MobyGames Company ID (former scheme):** arbitrary-metric  
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11g3z0gxm1  
- **Wikidata Description:** video game developer  
- **Instance Of:** video game developer, video game publisher  

## FAQs  

### What games has Arbitrary Metric developed or published?  
**A:** Arbitrary Metric is best known for developing and publishing *Paratopic*, a surreal first-person horror experience that explores themes of trauma and media decay.  

### Is Arbitrary Metric a developer or publisher?  
**A:** Arbitrary Metric functions as both a video game developer and publisher, handling the full lifecycle of its projects from concept to release.  

### What platforms or communities is Arbitrary Metric associated with?  
**A:** The studio maintains a presence on YouTube under the handle @arbitrarymetric and has been catalogued in major gaming databases such as GameFAQs, Metacritic, VideoGameGeek, IGDB, and MobyGames.  

### What identifiers or profiles are associated with Arbitrary Metric?  
**A:** Arbitrary Metric is identified in several databases:  
- GameFAQs Company ID: 202434  
- Metacritic ID: paratopicteam  
- VideoGameGeek ID: 43745  
- IGDB ID: arbitrary-metric  
- MobyGames ID: arbitrary-metric  
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/11g3z0gxm1  

### What is the significance of the name "ParatopicTeam"?  
**A:** "ParatopicTeam" is an alias used by Arbitrary Metric, likely derived from their notable game *Paratopic*, and is recognized in databases like Metacritic.  

## Why It Matters  
Arbitrary Metric plays a niche but culturally significant role in the indie horror game space. Their game *Paratopic* has gained recognition for its unique approach to horror, blending psychological unease with surreal visuals and nonlinear storytelling. The studio contributes to the growing field of narrative-driven horror games, pushing boundaries in how trauma and media distortion can be explored interactively. Their work resonates with players and critics alike, offering a distinct voice in the indie game community.  

## Notable For  
- Developing *Paratopic*, a critically discussed horror game blending surrealism and trauma  
- Dual role as both developer and publisher  
- Strong digital presence with curated YouTube content  
- Recognition in multiple international game databases  
- Use of atmospheric and experimental design to challenge traditional horror tropes  

## Body  

### Overview  
Arbitrary Metric is a video game developer and publisher that specializes in creating emotionally and psychologically intense experiences. Their most recognized title, *Paratopic*, has established them as a unique voice in the indie horror genre.  

### Notable Work: *Paratopic*  
- A first-person psychological horror game  
- Explores themes of media corruption, trauma, and surrealism  
- Available on digital platforms including Itch.io and Steam  
- Recognized in gaming databases under the alias *ParatopicTeam*  

### Platforms and Digital Presence  
- **Website:** [http://www.arbitrarymetric.com/](http://www.arbitrarymetric.com/)  
- **YouTube:**  
  - Handle: @arbitrarymetric  
  - Channel ID: UCmEaZuv52hQA0-Vsw7utPBw  
  - First video uploaded: July 31, 2018  
  - As of December 20, 2020:  
    - 3 videos published  
    - 158 subscribers  
    - 39,966 total views  

### Industry Classification  
- **Instance Of:** Video game developer, video game publisher  
- **Industry:** Video game industry  
- **Wikidata Description:** video game developer  

### Database Identifiers  
Arbitrary Metric is catalogued under several authoritative databases:  
- **GameFAQs Company ID:** 202434  
- **Metacritic Company ID:** paratopicteam  
- **VideoGameGeek Company ID:** 43745  
- **IGDB (Internet Game Database) Company ID:** arbitrary-metric  
- **MobyGames Company ID (former scheme):** arbitrary-metric  
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11g3z0gxm1  

### Aliases and Naming  
- **Alias:** ParatopicTeam  
- Used in Metacritic and other databases to refer to the studio  

### Community and Recognition  
- *Paratopic* has been cited in critical discussions of indie horror design  
- The game’s experimental narrative and visual style distinguish it from mainstream horror titles  
- The studio’s YouTube channel offers a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process  

### Relationship to the Broader Game Development Ecosystem  
- Part of the global indie game development community  
- Connected to platforms like Itch.io and Steam  
- Engages with the horror and narrative design communities through digital distribution and content sharing  

### Cultural Impact  
- *Paratopic* has been noted for its unique approach to horror, combining surreal visuals with nonlinear storytelling  
- The game has inspired academic and critical analysis in indie game circles  
- The studio’s work contributes to the growing field of trauma-based interactive narratives  

### Technical and Creative Focus  
- Emphasis on narrative design and atmospheric horror  
- Use of glitch aesthetics and media distortion as core gameplay elements  
- Strong visual and thematic cohesion across their published work  

### Organizational Structure  
- Functions as both developer and publisher  
- Operates independently without major corporate backing  
- Maintains a small, focused team structure, as is typical for indie studios  

### Legacy and Influence  
- *Paratopic* is often cited in discussions of experimental horror games  
- The studio’s approach to narrative design has influenced other indie developers  
- Their work is considered a benchmark for surreal and emotionally driven horror experiences  

### Data Footprint  
- Recognized across major knowledge graphs and databases  
- Maintains structured identifiers in Wikidata, Freebase, and other platforms  
- Presence in both English and non-English gaming communities through database localization  

### Future Outlook  
- Continues to be active in the indie game space  
- Maintains a digital presence through YouTube and game distribution platforms  
- Potential for future titles that build on the success and innovation of *Paratopic*

## References

1. VideoGameGeek
2. YouTube API