I found myself thinking philisofic thought more and more, especially about games and gaming as an art form. This might have something to do with the fact I've been watching Extra Credits a lot lately. And while I was lost in my thoughts, I came across the idea that in fact, games are the ultimate medium. So I though, why not dump it here, to see if there are any like minded people around.
Now you might think "how the hell are games the ultimate medium?". Well let me explain. Games, or at least the good ones, consist of many different thing all wrapt into one experience. They have the immersion into a gripping storyline a good book can give you. They have the hart-racing action that an exiting movie has. The climatic moment that a compelling storyline can build towards, that leaves you thinking about things you never thought about before. But most importantly they take all that, all the things books and movies have, and make you experience it through interaction. Unlike a book or a movie, you are in control. A movie is completely dotted out, you can't change the ending, neither do you ever feel you could. But a game, even a strictly linear one can make you feel in control of the story. It's not just the character that progresses, you do too.
I find that some games draw me in so much, that not only do I not want to stop playing it, when I'm not playing it, I'm thinking about what could happen next. Even after it has ended.
Sure this is achieved by books and movies too, but it's not your story that you are thinking about, it's the writer or directors story. But a game, much more than any other medium, gives the player a sense that the story he just experienced, was his own.
Now I ask you guys, The ecapist community, do you agree? Or do you find that I'm just talking rubbish? All comments are welcome, with the slight exeption of those along the lines of "You suck" or "go f*ck yourself".
Now you might think "how the hell are games the ultimate medium?". Well let me explain. Games, or at least the good ones, consist of many different thing all wrapt into one experience. They have the immersion into a gripping storyline a good book can give you. They have the hart-racing action that an exiting movie has. The climatic moment that a compelling storyline can build towards, that leaves you thinking about things you never thought about before. But most importantly they take all that, all the things books and movies have, and make you experience it through interaction. Unlike a book or a movie, you are in control. A movie is completely dotted out, you can't change the ending, neither do you ever feel you could. But a game, even a strictly linear one can make you feel in control of the story. It's not just the character that progresses, you do too.
I find that some games draw me in so much, that not only do I not want to stop playing it, when I'm not playing it, I'm thinking about what could happen next. Even after it has ended.
Sure this is achieved by books and movies too, but it's not your story that you are thinking about, it's the writer or directors story. But a game, much more than any other medium, gives the player a sense that the story he just experienced, was his own.
Now I ask you guys, The ecapist community, do you agree? Or do you find that I'm just talking rubbish? All comments are welcome, with the slight exeption of those along the lines of "You suck" or "go f*ck yourself".
