The Humanities and Video Games

Regardless of whether one chooses to define games as a medium of interactive entertainment, as an activity that involves a form of competition, or as a tool for social interaction, the concept is fundamentally about presenting players with an abstract challenge that they must accept and complete within a defined set of rules. Whether the challenge is as simple as arranging 2D blocks in a Tetris pattern or as complex as inhabiting a fully immersive virtual world, these boundaries are what distinguishes a game from other forms of entertainment like movies and television shows that are scripted with a predetermined outcome.

As such, a game’s elements, whether it is an abstract challenge, a competitive activity, or a form of play with an outcome, are meant to inspire amusement in the player. It is this element that makes games distinct from other forms of entertainment and why they can be so addictive. It is also this element that is a central focus of the game design process in which games are designed to inspire a specific emotional response from the players.

Game designs are often highly iterative with the development teams experimenting with various concepts, environments, characters, and control schemes during the pre-production phase. Using storyboards, concept art, interface mockups, and other prototyping tools allows game designers to test and refine these concepts before they are put into production. Not all of these concepts make it into the final product, but it is in this exploration that the game designers learn how to create the most effective game experiences.

While departments of computer science have studied the technical aspects of games for years, theories that examine games as an artistic medium are a relatively new development in the humanities. The two most visible schools of such thought are ludology and narratology. Ludologists are concerned with video games as a form of interactive fiction, similar to the holodeck from Star Trek that allows users to immerse themselves in another environment. Narrativists, on the other hand, look at games as a storytelling medium that can be as emotionally engaging and complex as plays, movies, or novels.

Despite the fact that gamers are able to connect with each other through gaming, it is still a lonely experience for many. In such cases, excessive gameplay may be considered problematic and lead to mental problems like depression or suicidal thoughts. It can also negatively impact real-world relationships as well as personal hygiene and work performance. Considering these risks, it is vital to recognize the negative effects of game addiction and seek professional help if needed. A reputable counselor will be able to help you develop a plan that addresses your needs.