Video Games as Interactive Art

Author Information

Tahjah McGlornFollow

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

Video games have emerged as a distinct multi-disciplinary art form that offers an immersive experience and conveys profound messages by integrating elements of traditional art forms. The intricate nature of video games establishes them as a subgenre of art that unites design, storytelling, music, and technology, offering players an individualized, interactive experience. They provide traditional art features and novel collaborative experiences that traditional art cannot offer. Analysis of selected games will show how creative and technical aspects of video game design have resulted in new forms of storytelling, character development, and engagement. Night in The Woods parallels living in a small town, displaying the battle between progress and conservation, while Pac-Man retains a kitsch appeal through its reference to 1980s culture. These games create personal awareness of our interactions with them by expanding our understanding of the already interactive nature of traditional media, like painting and film. Video games are an art form that provides a personalized experience for each player and invites a new genre of criticism. By recognizing the value of video game design, we can expand our understanding of contemporary culture.

Presenting Author Name/s

Tahjah McGlorn

Faculty Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Vittorio Colaizzi

Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department

Department of Art

College Affiliation

College of Arts & Letters

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Disciplines

Art Practice | Game Design | Interactive Arts

Session Title

Art History Session 2 - Structure and Analysis of Artistic Practice

Location

Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306

Start Date

3-30-2024 10:45 AM

End Date

3-30-2024 11:45 AM

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Mar 30th, 10:45 AM Mar 30th, 11:45 AM

Video Games as Interactive Art

Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306

Video games have emerged as a distinct multi-disciplinary art form that offers an immersive experience and conveys profound messages by integrating elements of traditional art forms. The intricate nature of video games establishes them as a subgenre of art that unites design, storytelling, music, and technology, offering players an individualized, interactive experience. They provide traditional art features and novel collaborative experiences that traditional art cannot offer. Analysis of selected games will show how creative and technical aspects of video game design have resulted in new forms of storytelling, character development, and engagement. Night in The Woods parallels living in a small town, displaying the battle between progress and conservation, while Pac-Man retains a kitsch appeal through its reference to 1980s culture. These games create personal awareness of our interactions with them by expanding our understanding of the already interactive nature of traditional media, like painting and film. Video games are an art form that provides a personalized experience for each player and invites a new genre of criticism. By recognizing the value of video game design, we can expand our understanding of contemporary culture.