Reading 8

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For class 11/8/16
Post Comments by 11:59 pm on 11/6/16

This week we will do something different.  We will look into the argument, are video games art?

Let us start with this video by Kellee Santiago

Now read, the response by Roger Ebert

http://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/video-games-can-never-be-art

Finally, read Ebert’s final post on the subject

http://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/okay-kids-play-on-my-lawn

 

Discussion (3 Parts)

Part 1

I think the first thing that we need to do is to is to define terms.  In your own opinion and words state:

  • What is Art?
  • What is a Game?

If you are basing your answers an external definition, provide a citation.

Part 2

Next state whether you think and why (a few sentences)

  • a) video games are art
  • b) video games aren’t art today, but may someday be
  • c) while the game may not be art, assets from the games (music, images) are art
  • d) games by definition can not be art

Part 3

Next write 3-4 paragraphs discussing the video and two articles.  What do you agree with?  What do you disagree with?  Are there points in which you agree but find the argument to be ill-formed?

If you are looking for discussion points, here are some ideas:

  • “Santiago concedes that chess, football, baseball and even mah jong cannot be art, however elegant their rules.”  State why video games are different (if you think they are)
  • “Santiago might cite a immersive game without points or rules, but I would say then it ceases to be a game”   Do you agree?
  • If you have played any of the games discussed, describe your experiences with them and possibly state whether you think they are art
  • “Shakespeare could not have written ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as a game because it could have had a happy ending, you know?”  If a game only has a single possible outcome, is it really a game?