The Art of Videogames (New Directions in Aesthetics)

The Art of Videogames explores how philosophy of the arts theories developed to address traditional art works can also be applied to videogames. Presents a unique philosophical approach to the art of videogaming, situating videogames in the framework of analytic philosophy of the arts Explores how philosophical theories developed to address traditional art works can also be applied to videogames Written for a broad audience of both philosophers and videogame enthusiasts by a philosopher who is also an avid gamer Discusses the relationship between games and earlier artistic and entertainment media, how videogames allow for interactive fiction, the role of game narrative, and the moral status of violent events depicted in videogame worlds Argues that videogames do indeed qualify as a new and exciting form of representational art

Videogames aren't just for children anymore. In fact, their fictional worlds now inspire us to make judgments about perceptual beauty, involve us in interpretation, and arouse our emotions. Reflecting the increasing technical and moral sophistication of the genre, The Art of videogames presents a unique philosophical approach to the art of video gaming. The author, a philosopher as well as an avid gamer, explores how philosophical theories developed to address traditional art works - such as novels and film - can also be applied to videogames. Chapters delve into relationships between games and earlier artistic and entertainment media, employ the theory of fiction to explore how videogames, and address the debate about the moral status of violent events depicted in videogame worlds. The text concludes by arguing that videogames do indeed qualify as a new and exciting form of representational art.tional art.

By situating videogames in the framework of analytic philosophy of the arts, The Art of Videogames offers unique philosophical insights while finally bridging the worlds of fantasy and philosophy.

The new art of videogames What are videogames anyway? On definition Theories of gaming A definition of videogames Videogames and fiction From tennis for two to worlds of warcraft Imaginary worlds and works of fiction Fictional or virtual? Interactive fiction Stepping into fictional worlds Welcome to rapture Meet niko bellic Experiencing game worlds Acting in game worlds Games through fiction The nature of gaming What are the rules of this game? Playing, cheating, fragging, and griefing Videogames and narrative The stories games tell Would you kindly put down that wrench? Reconciling games and narratives Emotion in videogaming How can we be moved by the fate of Niko Bellic? My fear of mutants The role of the emotions in gaming The morality of videogames The problem with crime simulators Are games bad for you? On being offensive Sticking up for videogames Videogames as art Are videogames art? A cluster theory of art The art in videogames New art from old bottles. By Situating Videogames In The Framework Of Analytic Philosophy Of The Arts, The Art Of Videogames Offers Unique Philosophical Insights While Finally Bridging The Worlds Of Fantasy And Philosophy.--jacket. The New Art Of Videogames -- What Are Videogames Anyway? -- On Definition -- Videogames And Fiction -- Stepping Into Fictional Worlds -- Games Through Fiction -- Videogames And Narrative -- Emotion In Videogaming -- The Morality Of Videogames -- Videogames As Art. Grant Tavinor. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. THE ART OF VIDEOGAMES......Page 2 CONTENTS......Page 10 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......Page 11 1 THE NEW ART OF VIDEOGAMES......Page 12 2 WHAT ARE VIDEOGAMES ANYWAY?......Page 26 3 VIDEOGAMES AND FICTION......Page 45 4 STEPPING INTO FICTIONAL WORLDS......Page 72 5 GAMES THROUGH FICTION......Page 97 6 VIDEOGAMES AND NARRATIVE......Page 121 7 EMOTION IN VIDEOGAMING......Page 141 8 THE MORALITY OF VIDEOGAMES......Page 161 9 VIDEOGAMES AS ART......Page 183 GLOSSARY......Page 208 REFERENCES......Page 220 INDEX......Page 225 « The Art of Videogames explores how philosophy of the arts theories developed to address traditional art works can also be applied to videogames. »-- Résumé de l'éditeur