Miguel Murphy Video games as an Artform: Outline/First Draft I.

) Intro - Short history of the evolution of videogames into current form of media - How current technology allows for more immersive experiences - What encompasses being recognized as an art form (benefits for media, previous examples) - My reasoning for going into game design/ interactive media II.) People/Opinions for the recognition of videogames as an art form - Smithsonian Exhibit (curator reasoning for display, as well as my own experience viewing exhibit) - Most of the greatest art forms were misunderstood at the time they were conceived - Points made by Kevin Levine, Nolan Bushnell (Interview videos) - Comparison to what is considered art III.) Why Video games arent an art form yet - Roger Ebert on video games - What makes a video game a game (the problem with becoming an art form without losing basic premise - Why exhibiting video games harms their attempt to become an art form (MOMA) - Where videogames are in their developmental timeline (in relation to the evolution of other media forms) IV.) What can be done to help videogames ascend to being a true artform - Balancing between retaining form of a game while striving for artform classification - Capitalization of the videogame culture - Utilization of interactive media as a medium to tell stories, convey emotions, and create relatable characters - stronger implementation of other art forms in games (live film, stronger writing, use of famous actors) V.) Conclusion & My interest in interactive media - Interest in interactive media as a photographer, musician, writer (My opinions) - Predictions on outcome in near future (Lucas & Spielberg panel) - Goal as a game designer

From their roots as simplistic, pixelated games, interactive media has evolved into one of the most immersive and proliferant entertainment forms. This form of media has been a constant in my life, it grew up with me. Numerous technological breakthroughs have allowed games to be more immersive, increasing their capacity to relay emotions to players and tell stories. A combination of cinematography, acting, drawing, musical composition, and more game design is en route to becoming the culmination of all art forms. My decision to study game design came from my desire to be a part of the force that drives interactive media into being recognized as a true art form. The debate over what defines an art form and whether or not video games meet that definition has given me the inspiration to work on solving the issue. While there is no true definition of what makes material be classified as art, there is a set of guidelines that most artists and critics rely on. The opinion I have on this debate was shaped by a visit to the Smithsonian American Art Museum two years ago. While on a college visit trip, I stopped the museum to view a recently opened exhibit on the art of interactive media. The hardware and software used in the creation and consumption of video games was chronologically ordered in the gallery, to show the viewer what had been achieved in the medias history. Within a 30 year timespan the media
had progressed leaps and bounds, matching the evolution of the technology it relies on. The sophistication of the animation, music, user interface, and story lines from modern games showed the increase in potential for unique artistic expression. Shouldnt a media that conveys emotions to the audience through a combination of art forms be considered an art form in itself? The talent of the creators of interactive experiences is

Bibliography Currie, G. (2010). Actual Art, Possible Art, and Art's Definition. Journal Of Aesthetics & Art Criticism, 68(3), 235-241. Ebert, R. (2010, 04 16). [Video Games Can Never Be Art]. Retrieved from http://www.rogerebert.com/rogers-journal/video-games-can-never-be-art Shusterman, R. (1992). Pragmatist aesthetics: Living beauty, rethinking art(Vol. 27). Oxford: Blackwell.