To some, video games are nothing more than a hobby; a time-waster between work, 3 square meals and sleeping. To others, video games provide a much-needed sense of escapism from the real world; a boundless source of imagination coming to life in a way no different than classic pieces of literature and film. Some see pixelated characters running amok. Others see digital interpretations of heroic battles (World of Warcraft), tales of deceit and redemption (Final Fantasy III), free-spirited flights into the subconscious (Super Mario 2).
Pitfall! on the Atari 2600 (1982)
Every next-generation system not only brings us closer to virtual reality, but reality itself being pushed along by technology. Video games are hard-wired into our daily lives, from simple Flash-games online to the Playstation 3 and beyond.
The Problem With Video Games is, bafflingly, its own fickle fanbase. Outside of hardcore gamers who revel in the glory of 2D, 8-bit nostalgia, gamers are always on the prowl for the Next Big Thing, the next "brand-new" technological breakthrough.
Classic works in every other form of art--yes, creating a video game is a form of art--are for the most part not damaged by their limitations. For instance, a worn vinyl-copy of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue doesn't discount the beauty of the music itself. So why can't games with a limited color-palette and "dated" graphics retain their classic status?
Trick question: THEY DO.
Every next-generation system not only brings us closer to virtual reality, but reality itself being pushed along by technology. Video games are hard-wired into our daily lives, from simple Flash-games online to the Playstation 3 and beyond.
The Problem With Video Games is, bafflingly, its own fickle fanbase. Outside of hardcore gamers who revel in the glory of 2D, 8-bit nostalgia, gamers are always on the prowl for the Next Big Thing, the next "brand-new" technological breakthrough.
Classic works in every other form of art--yes, creating a video game is a form of art--are for the most part not damaged by their limitations. For instance, a worn vinyl-copy of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue doesn't discount the beauty of the music itself. So why can't games with a limited color-palette and "dated" graphics retain their classic status?
Trick question: THEY DO.
