Aesthetics and Video Games

Video games have evolved greatly since its genesis in the 20^th century. From 8-bit art to high-definition landscapes, the aesthetics of video games have always been part of the experience. Whether you’re jumping on koopas or storming the beaches of Normandy, the creators are imparting their philosophy of art onto you. It is important, I believe, when developing games to center yourself on a coherent aesthetic message. A game centered on war and action could have a brutal aesthetic that highlights the real horrors of war, with Spec Ops the Line coming to mind as an example. With a retro platformer, you may have a more whimsical atmosphere with vibrant colors communicating a lighthearted and less aggressive art style, though you could just as easily blend a brutal aesthetic into a platformer, producing something new in its entirety.

                In aesthetic communication, the player can engage with and digest art in the modern medium that is a video game. Video games as art can be seen as a silly proposition. Whereas gaming can serve as a means of temporary escapism and joy, there is also a deeper experience that can be gained from playing a well-built game. An important presupposition will be how much the player is willing to be immersed in the atmosphere and art-elements of the game itself. Passively playing a game that you can idle may not create the conditions necessary to best engage with the aesthetics of a video game. For our case, we shall say that there is a fair degree of player investment and proceed from there.