🕹️History of Video Games as Art

What do you learn in History of Video Games as Art

You'll explore how video games have evolved as an artistic medium. The course covers the visual aesthetics, storytelling techniques, and cultural impact of games from Pong to modern blockbusters. You'll analyze game design, graphics, sound, and narrative elements through an art history lens, and discuss how games reflect and shape society.

Is History of Video Games as Art hard?

It's not as tough as you might think. The workload is manageable, with readings, game playthroughs, and analysis papers. The trickiest part is learning to look at games critically as art objects, which takes some practice. If you're into gaming, you'll probably find it more fun than challenging.

Tips for taking History of Video Games as Art in college

1. Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
2. Play the assigned games, don't just watch playthroughs
3. Take screenshots while playing to use in your papers
4. Learn basic art history terms (composition, perspective, etc.) to apply to game analysis
5. Keep an eye out for recurring themes and motifs across different games
6. Watch "High Score" on Netflix for extra context on early game history
7. Check out "The Art of Video Games" book by Chris Melissinos for visual references
8. Join online forums to discuss game art with other enthusiasts

Common pre-requisites for History of Video Games as Art

1. Introduction to Art History: Covers the basics of analyzing visual art across different time periods and cultures. You'll learn key terminology and techniques for interpreting artworks.

2. Digital Media Fundamentals: Introduces various digital art forms and technologies. This class gives you a foundation in digital design principles that apply to video game art.

Classes similar to History of Video Games as Art

1. Film Studies: Analyzes movies as an art form, looking at cinematography, narrative, and cultural impact. You'll learn how to critically examine visual storytelling, which applies to games too.

2. Interactive Media Design: Focuses on creating user experiences for digital platforms. This class explores the intersection of art, technology, and user interaction in digital spaces.

3. Digital Animation: Covers the principles and techniques of computer animation. You'll learn about the visual language of movement and how it's used in games and other media.

4. Cultural Studies in Media: Examines how different forms of media reflect and shape society. This class helps you understand the broader context of video games in popular culture.

Majors related to History of Video Games as Art

1. Game Design: Focuses on creating engaging and immersive video game experiences. Students learn about game mechanics, level design, and the technical aspects of game development.

2. Digital Arts: Combines traditional art skills with digital technologies. Students explore various digital media forms, including 3D modeling, animation, and interactive design.

3. Media Studies: Analyzes various forms of media and their impact on society. Students examine how different media, including video games, shape cultural narratives and social interactions.

4. Art History: Explores the development of visual arts throughout human history. Students learn to analyze and interpret artworks in their historical and cultural contexts, including newer forms like video games.

What can you do with a degree in History of Video Games as Art?

1. Game Designer: Creates the core concepts, rules, and mechanics of video games. They work with artists and programmers to bring their ideas to life and craft engaging player experiences.

2. Art Director for Game Studios: Oversees the visual style and artistic direction of video game projects. They manage teams of artists and ensure the game's visuals align with the overall creative vision.

3. Museum Curator (Digital Arts): Organizes exhibitions and collections related to digital art and video games. They research, acquire, and present digital artworks, including video games, in cultural institutions.

4. Games Journalist/Critic: Writes about video games for publications or websites. They analyze games from artistic and cultural perspectives, reviewing new releases and discussing industry trends.

History of Video Games as Art FAQs

1. Do I need to be good at playing video games? Not really, the focus is on analysis rather than skill. You'll need to play games, but it's more about observing and thinking critically than getting high scores.

2. Are we only studying modern, graphically advanced games? Nope, the course covers games from all eras. You'll look at how artistic elements have evolved from simple pixel art to photorealistic 3D graphics.

3. Will we be creating our own game art? It depends on the specific course, but most focus on analysis rather than creation. Some classes might include small design projects, but you won't need advanced art skills.