Art Games and Game-Based Art Workshop
Theoretical Frontiers and Critical Explorations
Central and Eastern European Game Studies conference (CEEGS) 2024
Nafplio, Greece - October 12th, 2024, 9.00 - 12.00, Childhood Museum "Stathmos"
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Welcome to the Art Games and Game-Based Art: Theoretical Frontiers and Critical Explorations workshop at CEEGS 2024! This interactive workshop will delve into the exciting intersection of art and games, exploring the theoretical and critical dimensions of these emerging art forms. We will examine the evolving definitions of art games and game-based art, discuss key theoretical frameworks from both art theory and game studies, and analyze specific case studies to understand their unique characteristics and impact. Join us for a lively discussion and exploration of the cutting edge of artistic expression in the digital age.
Workshop Description
This workshop delves into the dynamic intersection of art and games, focusing on the theoretical and critical dimensions of art games and game-based art. We will embark on a journey through the evolution of these forms, critically examining their definitions and exploring theoretical frameworks for analysis [1, 2, 3, 4]. Participants will engage in in-depth discussions about the historical development of the terms "art game" and "game-based art," highlighting key moments that have shaped their current understanding [1, 2]. We will delve into ongoing debates and controversies surrounding these definitions, fostering a lively dialogue that encourages participants to question and refine their own perspectives [5, 6, 7].
Next, we will collaboratively identify and critically evaluate the criteria used to distinguish between art games and game-based art. This will involve examining factors such as artistic intent, critical reception, the role of game mechanics, and audience engagement [4]. We will also explore the nuances of hybrid forms that blur the lines between these categories, challenging traditional notions of art and games [9].
To deepen our understanding, we will apply a multidisciplinary lens, drawing from both traditional art theory and game studies concepts. We will examine how theories such as formalism, conceptualism, and postmodernism can be leveraged to analyze and interpret game-based art [8, 11]. We will also discuss key game studies concepts like ludology, narratology, and player agency, and their relevance to understanding the unique characteristics of art games [9]. We will discuss the role of play, as defined by Huizinga [10], in art games and game-based art and how it contributes to their artistic expression and audience engagement.
The workshop will culminate in a series of in-depth case studies, where participants will present and analyze specific art games and game-based artworks, such as "That Dragon, Cancer" (2016) [15], "The Graveyard" (2008) [17], "Unmanned" (2008) [16], and "The Night Journey" (2018) [14]. We will dissect the artistic goals, design choices, narrative structures, and player experiences of each work, identifying common themes, techniques, and challenges within this emerging field [12, 17].
By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained:
· A nuanced understanding of the theoretical landscape surrounding art games and game-based art.
· The ability to critically analyze and interpret these art forms through the application of relevant theories and concepts.
· Insight into the diverse approaches, techniques, and challenges involved in creating game-based art.
· A foundation for further research and exploration in this exciting field.
References
[1] Flanagan, M. 2009. Critical Play: Radical Game Design. The MIT Press.
[2] Wolf, M.J.P. and Perron, B. eds. 2013. The Video Game Theory Reader. Routledge.
[3] Catlow, R., Garrett, M., & Morgana, C. (Eds.). (2010). Artists re: thinking games. FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology).
[4] Sharp, J. 2015. Works of game: On the aesthetics of games and art. The Mit Press.
[5] Bosman, F.G. and van Wieringen, A.L.H.M. 2022. Video Games as Art: A Communication-Oriented Perspective on the Relationship between Gaming and the Art. De Gruyter Oldenbourg.
[6] Juul, J. 2016. The Art of Failure: An Essay on the Pain of Playing Video Games. The MIT Press.
[7] Schrank, B 2014. Avant-garde Videogames: Playing with Technoculture, The MIT Press.
[8] Nguyen, C. T. 2020. Games: Agency as art. Oxford University Press.
[9] Sicart, M. 2014. Play matters. The MIT Press.
[10] Huizinga, J. 2014. Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture. Martino Fine Books.
[11] Tavinor, G. 2009. The art of videogames. John Wiley & Sons.
[12] Fencott, C., Clay, J., Lockyer, M., & Massey, P. 2012. Game invaders: The theory and understanding of computer games. John Wiley & Sons.
[13] Lowood, H., & Guins, R. (Eds.). 2016. Debugging game history: A critical lexicon. MIT Press.
[14] "The Night Journey" (Bill Viola, 2018), https://www.thenightjourney.com/
[15] "That Dragon, Cancer" (Numinous Games, 2016), http://www.thatdragoncancer.com/
[16] "Unmanned" (Molleindustria, 2008), https://unmanned.molleindustria.org/
[17] "The Graveyard" (Tale of Tales, 2008), https://tale-of-tales.com/TheGraveyard/
Target Audience
Researchers, academics, game designers, artists, and anyone interested in the theoretical and critical aspects of art games and game-based art.
Tentative Program
Introduction and Welcome (15 minutes)
Brief introductions of participants
Overview of workshop goals and structure
Introductory discussion on the current landscape of art games and game-based art
Defining and Redefining (60 minutes)
Interactive presentation and discussion on the historical development of the terms "art game" and "game-based art."
Identification of key milestones and shifts in understanding.
Roundtable discussion on ongoing debates and controversies surrounding these definitions.
Presentation: Silvester Buček: "Redefining the Boundaries of Games: A New Classification for Interactive Experiences"
Criteria for Categorization (15 minutes)
Brainstorming session to identify potential criteria for distinguishing art games from game-based art (e.g., artistic intent, critical reception, use of game mechanics, audience engagement).
Discussion of shared characteristics and hybrid forms.
Theoretical Frameworks and Case Studies (60 minutes)
Brief presentations and group discussion of relevant art theories (formalism, conceptualism, postmodernism) and their application to the analysis of art games and game-based art.
Brief presentations and group discussion of key concepts from game studies (ludology, narratology, player agency) and their relevance to understanding art games and game-based art.
Case Studies and Closing Discussion (30 minutes)
Presentation: Chrysanthi Badeka: "VICE VERSATILE: gamifying choreography - augmenting physical thinking"
Case study presentations and discussions focusing on 1-2 specific art games or game-based artworks.
Analysis of artistic goals, design choices, narrative structures, and player experiences.
Closing remarks and summary of key takeaways
Additional Notes:
Additional Notes:
Participants will be encouraged to read relevant texts before the workshop to facilitate deeper discussions.
The selection of case studies can be determined beforehand or decided collaboratively with participants. Participants will be encouraged to bring examples of art games and game-based artworks to share and discuss.
Call for Presentations - Proposal Submission Deadline: September 10th, 2024
We invite proposals for short presentations (15 minutes each) and discussions on the following topics:
Applying Art Theory: How can traditional art theories (e.g., formalism, conceptualism, postmodernism) be applied to analyze and interpret art games and game-based art?
Game Studies Perspectives: How do concepts from game studies (e.g., ludology, narratology, player agency) contribute to our understanding of art games and game-based art?
Case Studies: In-depth analysis of specific art games or game-based artworks (selected in advance or by participant vote), focusing on artistic goals, design choices, narrative structures, and player experiences.
Submission Guidelines:
Please fill in the submission form here.
Submit a 300-word abstract outlining your proposed presentation.
Include a brief bio (100 words) and your contact information.
Selection Criteria:
Relevance to the workshop themes
Originality and potential for stimulating discussion
Clarity and coherence of the proposal
Presentation Format:
15-minute presentation
Important Dates:
Proposal Submission Deadline: September 10th, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: September 25th, 2024
Workshop Date: October 12th, 2024
We encourage submissions from researchers, academics, game designers, artists, and anyone interested in exploring the theoretical and critical dimensions of art games and game-based art.
Follow the link to the Proposal Submission Form
We look forward to receiving your proposals!
Call for Participation - Application Deadline: October 3rd, 2024
We invite researchers, academics, game designers, artists, and enthusiasts to participate in this 3-hour workshop exploring the dynamic intersection of art and games. The workshop will delve into the theoretical and critical dimensions of art games and game-based art, examining their definitions, historical development, and the various theoretical frameworks used to analyze them.
Workshop Highlights:
Engage in discussions on the evolving definitions and interpretations of art games and game-based art.
Explore the application of traditional art theories and game studies concepts to these art forms.
Analyze case studies of specific art games and game-based artworks to identify common themes, techniques, and challenges.
Exchange ideas and perspectives with fellow researchers and practitioners in the field.
Limited Availability:
Due to the interactive nature of the workshop, participation is limited to 20 individuals.
How to Apply:
Selection Criteria:
Relevance of background and interests to the workshop themes.
Clarity and articulation of motivation for participation.
Important Dates:
Application Deadline: October 3rd, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: October 7th, 2024
Workshop Date: October 12th, 2024
We look forward to your participation in this exciting exploration of art games and game-based art!
Follow the link to the Application Form
We look forward to receiving your proposals!
Important Dates
Presentations Proposal Submission Deadline: September 10th, 2024
Notification of Acceptance for Presentations: September 25th, 2024
Participation Application Deadline: October 3rd, 2024
Notification of Acceptance for Participation: October 7th, 2024
Workshop Date: October 12th, 2024
To contact the organizers please use aggb.workshop.ceegs2024@gmail.com
Assistant Professor in Computer Science: Multimedia Applications for the Arts
Department of Fine Arts & Art Sciences, School of Fine Arts, University of Ioannina, aggb.workshop.ceegs2024@gmail.com
This workshop is part of CEEGS 2024, the Central and Eastern European Game Studies conference. CEEGS is an annual gathering of game scholars organized by DiGRA Central and Eastern Europe. The 2024 conference will be hosted by the Department of Performing and Digital Arts, University of the Peloponnese, Greece. The conference theme, ‘Reimagining Games, Art, and Performativity’ will allow us to delve into the historical parallels, intersections, challenges, and tensions traditionally inherent within these three concepts.
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