Video Games as Art

In the section titled Simulations and Simulacra of the text book (pages 42-43), Shanken touched on the idea that video games are considered art.  For example, artists like Mary Flanagan began using game engines to create her work.  Doing a quick Google search, I discovered that the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) has added 14 video games to its collection in their Department of Architecture and Design.  Looking through the list, it seems to be a timeline of the progress of video games.

In this post, I would like to mention three games games that were probably considered art in the brainstorm stage before they became video games.

Flowers (PS3 2009)



In the essence of Van Gogh's Starry Night, the player controls the wind, blowing flower petals through the air.  Vivid in color and majestic sceneries, this game features no text or dialogue.  The narration is implied through the visuals and emotional cues.

Journey (PS3 2012)



This beautiful game captures loneliness in a vast desolate world. Created by the same company that created Flowers, the player controls a robed figure in a vast desert, traveling towards a mountain in the distance.  Exploration can be done on land and in air.  When floating in air, that is when the player sees all the great detail the creators installed, giving a meaningful experience in a magical world.

Braid (XBox 360 2008)



The game has a cult following as an indie hit.  In this game, the player controls the hero through various stages solving puzzles to progress in rescuing a princess.  Not a very original concept but the gameplay is.  Using time manipulation, the player can learn from his mistake and solve the puzzles.  The puzzles are not extremely complex but they are thoughtful and intriguing.  The stages in the game are reminiscent of the Robin Williams' movie, What Dreams may Come, with its unique use of the the color palettes.  It is a very beautiful game that allows the player to get lost in the artwork and gameplay.

These three games are just some simulations and simulacra that defends video game as works of art.  There are many more games that can be considered art but these three are hands down astonishing and awe inspiring much like films by Akira Kurosawa and paintings by Monet.  Very cool stuff.