Although the video games industry is just as big as the film industry worldwide, it is often seen as something of a mystery to the older generations. But it seems the conversation has moved on to such an extent that it is not remotely silly to consider video games as a form of art.
This is perhaps why I watched "9" with some interest and looked at its similarity with "Little Big Planet" - the fun interactive game I have played on occasion. The absurdity of cotton figures with a soul - surely this is the realm of video game fantasy? There is no conclusive evidence as to if there was indeed any influence from art to video game, or vice-versa - but it does give us a starting point into discussing video game as art.
Even with my limited knowledge, it is evident that computer games have come a long way. From my earliest memories of Super Mario, the target market for games has steadily evolved to include older players in their 20s and 30s, changing the nature of games - a game like Grand Theft Auto would have been unimaginable in the Zelda-dominated world perhaps 10-15 years ago. The older computer game player has also led to different demands in the video game, with narrative especially being an important part of a game.
With "cut-scenes", the Metal Gear Solid series has developed a powerful back-story which engages the player into the character and conflicts within the protagonist. Furthermore, history and fantasy commonly combine in different ways in reinterpreting how we bring stories to life.
Top Gear track on Gran Turismo - video games are becoming increasingly life-like.
Thus it is with excitement that I am excitedly anticipating reading a friend's study of interactivity and narrative in video games. But it is evident that the artistic study of video games is only just emerging and will be increasingly prominent in the decades to come.
See relevant links:
9 Trailer Similar to PS3s Little Big Planet
Wikipedia entry for Metal Gear Solid
No comments:
Post a Comment