Tetrachromacy is a condition where people see the world in different colours and hues (like some posit Van Gogh possibly had). Just as a tetrachromat perceives a richer spectrum of light, or a painting profoundly moves one person while leaving another untouched, videogames resonate uniquely with each individual. Like any other art form, games aren't universally experienced; instead, we bring a part of ourselves to them. This personal connection determines which titles truly resonate deeply and leave a lasting impact.
There are many art pieces that really speak to me but some include:
Painting:
Dorothea Tanning - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Klimt - The Kiss
Van Gogh - Starry Night
Yoshitaka Amano - The Sandman and Terra
Comics:
The Sandman (before Neil Gaiman became problematic)
Watchmen
Hilda
Lumberjanes
Akira
Music:
Oxygène and Équinoxe Infinity - Jean-Michel Jarre
The Songs of Distant Earth - Mike Oldfield
All is Full of Love - Björk
Silent Shout LP - The Knife
Euphoria (The classic trance albums from the mid to late 90s) - Various
Animation:
The Mysterious Cities of Gold
Ulysses 31
Akira
Perfect Blue
Evangelion
Cowboy Bebop
Carmen Sandiego
Magnetic Rose (part of the Memories anthology film)
Books:
The Amber Spyglass (His Dark Materials) Trilogy
The Harry Potter Series (before J. K. Rowling became problematic)
The Quran
Anything by John Higgs, Rutger Bregman, and Reza Aslan
Films:
Three Colours: Red
Chungking Express
Blade Runner
Ikiru
I rarely let the cyclical debate of 'Are Videogames Art?' bother me, as I don't really care. However, for those who do put stock in such things, does it matter if it is defined as High or Low Art? Who defines it as such, and does it change the feelings you had when you experienced certain games?
Videogames have often battled for recognition as a legitimate art form, frequently dismissed by traditionalists who readily embrace theatre, opera, and literature. Yet, the intricate dramaturgy, compelling narratives, and immersive world-building found in many video games rival those of established artistic mediums. This inherent capacity for storytelling, coupled with their interactive nature, positions videogames as powerful agents for change, offering unique insights into societal challenges and inspiring resistance against various forms of oppression.
Like the media and art listed above, videogames are an important part of my life, but they are not my be-all, end-all. My life is more varied, holistic, and fulfilling than what is suggested by the simple label of “gamer”. I am a multifaceted person with thoughts and feelings, and games are but one art form among many that I enjoy in my full life. Their true power and value can be better understood when placed within this wider context by individuals with a comprehensive appreciation for culture. Our hobbies do not define us.
The games that I feel have stuck with me in a profound way are:
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons - love and loss
The Walking Dead Season 1 - found family and grief
Ico - connection and resilience
Shadow of the Colossus - love, denial, and self-sacrifice
Nier and Nier: Automata - philosophy and the human condition
Journey and Abzû - spirituality and humanism
What Remains of Edith Finch - the interconnectedness of us all
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture - existential dread and cosmic bliss
Florence - love and nostalgia
Final Fantasy IV and VI - being true to yourself and fighting your programming
Undertale - pacifism is a viable but hard-fought option
Monument Valley II - paternal love
Venba - Family dynamics, code switching and identity
Decarnation - female bodily autonomy and the male gaze
The evolution of videogame creation itself has had an interesting, democratic ebb and flow. The early days of the 1980s saw a flourishing of independent 'bedroom coders' who, with limited resources, left an indelible mark on the burgeoning micro-system landscape.
The subsequent technological leap in the 1990s, driven by a push for polygons, drastically increased development costs, leading to a decline in small teams and a centralisation of power within larger studios. This era witnessed a significant contraction of the independent development scene. However, the advent of the internet, coupled with the rise of affordable game development software like Unity, RPG Maker, and Unreal Engine, has ushered in a new golden age for independent developers.
The internet has fostered vibrant online communities, enabling creators to collaborate, share ideas, and refine their skills. This resurgence has led to the emergence of numerous auteurs and small teams, producing titles such as Cave Story, Braid, and Fez, which undeniably possess artistic merit.
Furthermore, the accessibility of platforms like Steam and the App Store democratized publishing, allowing a fresh wave of games to reach global audiences without the need for traditional publishers. Sure, a considerable portion of these titles may be cheap knock-offs or derivative, but the sheer volume and diversity demonstrate a creative energy that was previously unimaginable. This ease of entry has reignited the spirit of the lone coder, allowing for a broader spectrum of voices and perspectives to contribute to the medium.
Video games are not created in a vacuum; they are products of their time, mirroring the political and social landscapes in which they are conceived. Many games inherently carry political themes, exploring narratives of fighting against oppressive regimes, overcoming overwhelming odds, and striving for a more hopeful future.
In a world grappling with inequality, division, and the insidious nature of ideological entrenchment, videogames offer a unique avenue for players to engage with these complex issues. They can illustrate how dogma prevents individuals from envisioning a better world, let alone actively working to bring it about. The interactive nature of games allows players to step into different roles, experience diverse perspectives, and actively participate in narratives of resistance and transformation.
In our increasingly complex and challenging times, the power of video games to inspire hope and encourage critical thought is not merely a bonus, but a vital contribution to cultural discourse. By engaging players in struggles against fictionalized forms of authoritarianism and bigotry, games can subtly, yet powerfully, foster empathy and a desire for positive change in the real world.
LINK: Japan: My Journey to the East
LINK: The Argument for Videogames As Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction
LINK: Akira Soundtrack Vinyl Review
LINK: The Power of Stories and How They Are Manipulated
LINK: The Message by Ta-Nahisi Coates - Book Review (and Some Thoughts)
LINK: The Anxious Generation: Book Review (and Some Thoughts)
LINK: Utopia for Realists- Book Review
LINK: Toxic: Women, Fame and the Noughties- Book Review (and Some Thoughts)