Now is a fantastic opportunity to dive into these unique, lyrical, and poignant video games.
Video Games
Posted inArt
The Violent Action Game That Deconstructs Violent Action Games
No More Heroes critiques the conventions that still rule mainstream gaming.
Posted inMusic
The Electronic Symphonies of Video Game Scores
I haven’t played the game Death Stranding, but I know one thing: The score, composed by Ludvig Forssell for prepared piano, synthesizer, and found percussion, is beautiful.
Posted inArt
A Dystopian, David Lynch-Inspired Video Game That Leaves Its Meaning Up to You
Taking its inspiration from magical realism, Southern Gothic, Tennessee Williams, and much more — act five of Kentucky Route Zero presents an unusual collage of touchstones for a young art form generally consumed with self-references.
Posted inArt
Tracing the Interconnectedness of Art and Video Games
As a recent exhibition at the Akron Art Museum demonstrates, video games are at a creative peak, as fine artists respond to and play with video gaming culture, visuals, and communities.
Posted inArt
What Is a Documentary These Days?
As the landscape for cultural production shifts, it’s worth asking what does or does not constitute a documentary now. Here are some thoughts.
Posted inArt
Decode This New Video Game’s Story Using Surveillance Footage
The new game Telling Lies turns players into detectives, having them sort through surveillance footage to understand what to look for and find the truth.
Posted inArt
Finding Human Interest Stories in Virtual Reality
YouTube creator Syrmor talks to people in an online social game. Their stories are often harrowing and emotional — even though they’re coming from the mouths of cartoon characters.
Posted inArt
What the “Can You Pet the Dog?” Test Reveals About Modern Video Games
Across social media, various players love to test game realism. What do the limits of this realism say about the future of the medium?
Posted inBooks
Psychoanalyzing The Legend of Zelda
In a new book of essays, The Psychology of Zelda: Linking Our World to the Legend of Zelda Series, psychologists and video game scholars probe the existential questions at the heart of the beloved video game franchise.
Posted inArt
Play a Free, Short Game Every Day This Year
Meditations is a year-long project offering 365 short games, each playable only on the day of its release.
Posted inArt
A Video Game Shows the True Colors of Ancient Greece
For a video game that includes extraterrestrial beings and time travel, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is shockingly faithful to what Ancient Greece looked like during its golden age.