Discussion on the evolution of computer and video games as an emerging art form.
Games likened to other historically emerging arts like cinema and jazz.
Examination of the aesthetic and cultural contributions of games.
Key Arguments
Games as Artistic Expression
Creators as Artists & Engineers: Shigeru Miyamoto emphasizes the dual role of creators as both artists and engineers due to the technical and creative demands of game design.
Artistic Claims: Despite significant commercial success, there’s debate over whether games can be considered art, drawing parallels to past skepticism of cinema as art.
Emerging Art Form: Games, likened to early cinema, are seen as in their infancy but hold potential for greater artistic significance.
Progression of Games
Technological Evolution: From Pong to complex narratives like Final Fantasy and Black & White.
Influence on Technology: Games have driven demand for advanced computer technology, paralleling NASA's impact on innovation.
Games and Society
Cultural Impact: Games are influencing contemporary cinema and other media, evident in films like The Matrix and Memento.
Academic and Cultural Recognition: Increasing academic interest in games as a legitimate subject for aesthetic evaluation and cultural studies.
Debate on Artistic Status: Diverse discussions in media and academia about the legitimacy and aesthetic categories of games.
Historical Parallels
Comparison with Cinema: Early skepticism about cinema mirrors current debates on games, with cinema once dismissed due to commercial and technological origins.
Gilbert Seldes' Perspective: Seldes celebrated popular art forms and challenged traditional notions of art, similar to the current challenges faced by games.
Aesthetic Contributions
Expressive Movement: Games evoke emotions and engage users through dynamic movement, akin to silent cinema’s expressive capabilities.
Spatial Aesthetics: Games create immersive and compelling environments, drawing inspiration from stage design and architecture.
Criticism and Cultural Status
Role of Criticism: Advocates for thoughtful criticism to support innovation and deepen understanding of games as an art form.
Popular vs. Middlebrow Arts: Seldes critiques middlebrow arts for lacking vitality and calls for a focus on emotionally charged popular arts.
Potential for Innovation: Despite economic pressures, game designers are encouraged to experiment and innovate.
Future Directions
Narrative and Interactivity Balance: Developers must balance storytelling with interactivity to enhance the gaming experience.
Cultural and Ethical Implications: Engages with debates on violence in games, seeking games that reflect cultural values more thoughtfully.
Conclusion
Games as Lively Art: Games offer new aesthetic experiences appropriate for the digital age, and continued innovation and critical discourse will shape their evolution.
Significance of Criticism: Emphasizes the importance of informed criticism to foster innovation and elevate games' cultural impact, akin to historic roles in cinema and literature.