Imagination will take you anywhere...

Recently, Abertay University held a digital showcase even displaying work from various students from various programs. I attended this event and got the feeling that this event, which held a number of video game prototypes and experiences was trying to display art.

The big debate in the gaming world is whether video games can be defined as an art form or whether that is just wishful thinking. In this event, wishful thinking was far from the agenda as each game was presented in such a modern art perspective and was appreciated just like any other art gallery you could find.

The event showcased several games such as the infamous 'Minecraft' which has now been ported onto X-box Indie Arcade by 4J Games. Showcasing the student game 'Into the Sky' which was made by a group of 3rd years last year. Also on display was the Samsung Bada Challenge game Moeba created by prior Abertay graduates. A few other games created by previous Abertay university students were also on display at the time.

Each game was displayed as if it was a work of art in itself and of course some of the artifacts weren't games, but were animated shorted or interactive pieces with more of a story based focus.

One of the creators of the game Moeba game wishes to create games which specifically blur the barriers of art and video games. In the interview contained in the video above he says:

“This exhibition is de-contextualizing it (games). Which is good for games and it is also good for art. So, on that kind of level, we are hoping Quartic Llama will be able to makes games which are works of art and works of art which are really fun to play.”

Tom, Quartic Llama  

This was the starting point for my inspiration starting this project and got me really thinking about how I could possibly try and achieve the same thing.