The digital shadow under the proverbial umbrella.

Okay, now it's time for me to pony up an explanation and definition of how I'm going to be evaluating the supposed art of these supposed vidya games. But first, allow me to remind you now (in hopes of never having to in the future) that these are all purely my opinions. Which by nature, are not actually affronts to your opinions if they should happen to contradict. Obviously this blog is purely of an editorial nature for most entries, but there will be many situations in which I will forsake my own bias to invoke a proposed "higher purpose".

Next, in this pre-ass-covering preface, I will admit that YES, video games are art... every single one of them. Just as every movie, song, or thing ever written down anywhere is also art... But only in certain perspectives! We can go back and forth about the ultimate nature of art, but as of this moment, I am far from qualified at even attempting to do so. That said, while I will acknowledge this perspective that all human (or animal for that matter) creations qualify as art, I will not adhere to it. So, like countless reviewers and critiquers before me, I will make an easy answer all the more complex while simultaneously imposing my opinion on the work of another. Fair enough?

Clearly as far as a definition is concerned, I will be using a loose, colloquial representation of the word "art". But really, what I will be focusing on are revolutionary, creative, and otherwise unique ideas implemented in games. This will relate largely, but not limited to such elements as: style, story, immersion factor, music, atmosphere, game mechanics and so on...

Some people might be thinking to themselves: "Well, if you're so concerned with art, why don't you look at a painting, or read a book... hell you could even watch a movie." Which is a response that I imagine to be held by non-gamers and only small percentage of the actual gaming community. But to which I reply: The inherent nature of games is one that puts the player literally into the shoes of the protagonist of the game. The character's goals become our goals, and thus a level of immersion is reached that is far more literal and deliberate than any other vehicle of media. The nostalgia and emotional reactions that I've had from certain games is completely unmatched by any other movie or novel that I might also have great affection for. And it's because of that, that I feel this medium is truly worthy of the same deep analysis that we would give to any other classic storytelling format. I know I'm certainly not the only one who must feel this way.

That said, on frequent occasion expect that I will deviate from the pure spectrum of "art in video games" and will delve into other topics as well. Things like: social issues raised in games, how culture has impacted games and vice versa, gaming culture, how elements of games relate to other media, and so on and so on.

Oh yeah, also be prepared for a heavy horror theme here and there... it's kinda mah thing.