Computer Games as

ArtMiguel Sicart

Computer Game Theory Course

Spring 2005

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Today we’ll talk about ...

if games are art,

how can they be art,

why they could be art,

why can this be interesting

But first, one of these questions I

love

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with some prizes ...

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What is the

difference

between Degas ...

and Blender?

Representationvs.

Simulation

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Representation

Representation (noun) - an object created to stand in for some other object

To represent (verb) - the relations established between the object represented and the representation (which allow us to talk about realism).

The visual arts (and perhaps the arts as we know them) are actually representational forms of expression.

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SimulationTo simulate is to reproduce the workings of a (complex) system within another (complex) system

We have had simulations before computers,

but digital technology seems to be the perfect environment for simulations.

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If you don’t believe me, look at this

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Games tend to simulate systems. Games tend to be simulations

Therefore, games should be considered the art of simulation

But what does that mean?

In other words, what can games simulate in an artistic fashion?

Where is the art of simulation?

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A Typology

Remixing

Reference

Reworking

Reaction

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RemixingThe use of game iconography in other media

Aphex Twin’s Powerpill Pacman

Gameboy Music (http://www.gameboymusicclub.org/news.html)

But is this really the art of simulation? Isn’t it more related with the transmediality of games?

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ReferenceThe creation of original games that refer to previous computer games

The classic example is Desert Rain (by Blast Theory (http://www.blasttheory.co.uk/bt/work_desertrain.html)

And again, what does this say about the art of simulation?

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ReworkingA conscious alteration of an original code in order to produce artistic effects

Mods & levels can be an example: 9/11 Survivor

Now we are talking (about game

art) ...

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ReactionPerformances within a game world

Velvet Strike, Brody Condon’s Gunship Ready, The Church of the Three Values.

It can be both specifically computer game art, and something else unrelated: borderline case.

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Machinima

Machinima is the name for those films created using the game engines of computer games, usually FPS

Red vs. Blue is perhaps the most famous, but there are other interesting examples.

Problems?

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These “types” of “compuer game art” do not relate to the art of simulation

In a sense, they just use game technology to represent other things ...

therefore, they are reincarnating the representation techniques of traditional arts in the medium of the computer game

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My take on the art of computer

games

Games have elements that, combined in a complex system of rules, can be used with artistic means

In other words, games have to be the art of simulation in order to be considered artistic

But what is art?

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Art is the unique expression of truth formulated in an unexpected, masterfully way.

Truth - that what breaks common knowledge and creates new knowledge.

A working definition

(don’t quote me for this one)

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How can games be art?

Through what they simulate, and how that is integrated in a whole unique expression:

Graphics

Sounds

Worlds

Rule-based system

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Games as art require a holistic

perspectiveEven though the graphics in Half-Life 2 are outstanding, the game is not art.

Even though the sound design in Doom 3 is magnificent, the game is not art

Even though the world is fascinating in WoW, the game is not art

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So what games are art,

then?

Rez

Ico

WarioWare

Maeda Path

Project Rub

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Why?A topic for discussion (now):

Games are art when the whole simulated system is definable as art: from the rules to world (meaning: abstract worlds can also be artistic, if they complete the whole picture of the game)

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From ut pictura poiesis to ...

ut ludus poiesis (like games, poetry)

Exercise

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Make groups of maximum 3

Read the Dogme 95 manifesto & vow of chastity

Write the Manifesto for Computer Games as a Fine Art

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