Execution / Game

[Froge]

This thread is about two different things, but you may only discuss one of them in your posts. The reason why this thread is like this is because I find the traditional one-discussion thread to be too boring, and like TCR with the games industry, I want to revolutionize the idea of thread-making by trying something completely new.

If you post about both of these two topics, you will be permanently branded with the Chronofrog™ mark of shame.

~

There are no good stories, only good execution

Looking back on my favourite books, films, and games, I can honestly say that their plots weren't really that good. Take Amnesia for example: "Naive Britishman chased by malicious otherworldly entity seeks to save himself by performing immoral occult experiments." Or just look at any really popular film: "Crime-ridden city terrorized by insane clown is saved by hero who only presents himself in a bat costume." What made all of these stories actually interesting was how they are executed. Amnesia was a good game because the immersion and the notes made us feel that we were Daniel, and thus we felt sympathy for him when we learned the truth behind his story.

Which leads me to believe that "good" stories don't exist - only good communication. I'd argue that all stories fit one of two categories: a personal experience, or an imitation of another's personal experience. The only thing that makes one story stand out from another is how they are communicated to its audience, but there is no such thing as an inherently "better" story. Do you agree or not?

~

Video Game is highest form of art

In its most basic form, art is an appeal to the senses. I think in all societies two art forms are dominant: visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.) and music. There is also, in some more advanced societies, literature as well as mathematics. In recent times we have witnessed immense popularity in the fusion of art forms. Before the creation of the symphonic poem by Liszt, the thought of putting music alongside visual images to enhance the experience was not common. Then came movies, a complete bend of visual, musical, and literary art forms and it was also tremendously popular. We also have cartoon and manga that blend visuals and literature.

The most recent blend of art, video games, completely fuses together art, music, literature, and one new art form that was mostly absent in other media - mathematics. This "art" is most evident in the idea of game mechanics. When a player learns the mechanics of a game, solves puzzles, and conquers obstacles, I believe that those logical processes going through their mind are much the same as the logic behind solving a mathematical problem. When video games first came out, they were just a blend of art, music, and math, but as we all know literature (storytelling) has been added to the mix as well. No other medium has yet to combine all these art forms so successfully.

Could it then be argued that the video game is the highest form of art, because making a good game requires mastery at all four of those mediums?

~

Choose.