The Art of Gaming: Bridging the Gap Between Museums and Video Games

A Personal Odyssey in Gaming

During a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in my younger years, I was captivated by the allure of ancient Egypt. The Temple of Dendur, with its intricate hieroglyphs, was a particular favorite. However, it was the computer game “Nile: An Ancient Egyptian Quest” that truly bridged my love for art and gaming. This game, with its rich narratives and immersive graphics, introduced me to the idea that video games could be more than just entertainment; they could be a profound aesthetic experience.

The Evolution of Gaming as Art

For many millennials like myself, video games have been instrumental in shaping our cultural and artistic understanding. From introducing me to classical music in Civilization IV to the poetic verses of “The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam” in Titanic: Adventure Out of Time, games have been an unconventional yet impactful medium of education.

However, the art world has historically been hesitant to embrace video games as a legitimate form of artistic expression. Renowned figures like Roger Ebert and Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto have debated the artistic merit of games. Yet, as the 2010s progressed, the perception began to shift. Institutions like MoMA and the Smithsonian started recognizing the artistic potential of video games, leading to exhibitions and acquisitions.

Video Games in the Museum Space

The recent exhibition at MoMA, titled “Never Alone,” showcases a diverse collection of video games, ranging from popular titles like Minecraft to more niche experiments. The exhibit emphasizes the interconnectedness of digital interaction, especially in a world grappling with the challenges of a pandemic.

However, the true essence of video games lies in their mechanics and interaction design. As I explored the playable games at the exhibition, I was struck by the diverse modes of interaction each game offered. From the simplicity of Pac-Man to the intricate world-building of Flower, each game presented a unique relationship between the player and the virtual environment.

The Challenges of Preserving Video Games

Incorporating video games into a museum’s permanent collection is no easy feat. It involves establishing relationships with production companies, acquiring original hardware platforms, and sometimes even the source code. The preservation of these games ensures that future generations can experience and appreciate them in their original form.

The Future of Video Game Preservation: A Digital Odyssey

In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: the shift from physical to digital. As we move further into the digital age, the tangible cartridges, discs, and game boxes that once adorned our shelves are becoming relics of the past. This transition not only impacts how we purchase and play games but also presents unique challenges for preservation.

Historically, museums have relied on physical artifacts to tell stories. The tangible nature of these items, whether it’s an ancient sculpture or a vintage video game cartridge, provides a direct link to the past. But as video games transition to digital-only formats, how will museums adapt to preserve these intangible experiences?

The preservation of digital games will require a paradigm shift. Unlike physical games, which can be stored and displayed, digital games exist as ephemeral strings of code. Their preservation won’t just be about safeguarding a cartridge or disc but ensuring the game’s code, its online servers, and even its digital ecosystems are maintained.

Moreover, the interactive nature of video games adds another layer of complexity. It’s not enough to simply store a game’s code; preserving the authentic experience of playing the game, with all its mechanics, graphics, and sounds, will be crucial. This might mean preserving the software environments or emulating obsolete hardware to ensure future generations can experience the game as it was originally intended.

In this digital future, museums will play a pivotal role in pioneering new methods of preservation. They might collaborate directly with game developers, source code repositories, or even cloud gaming platforms to ensure the longevity of these digital masterpieces. Virtual exhibitions, interactive digital archives, and even augmented reality experiences could become standard tools for showcasing and preserving the art of video games.

In conclusion, as the world of video games continues its march towards a digital-only future, the approach to preservation must evolve. While the challenges are significant, they also present exciting opportunities for innovation, ensuring that the rich legacy of video gaming is accessible for generations to come.

Redefining the Museum Experience

While MoMA’s approach to video games is commendable, it’s essential to recognize that games are time-intensive experiences. A brief interaction in a gallery setting cannot capture the depth and complexity of a game. However, institutions like London’s Victoria and Albert Museum have made significant strides in showcasing games as both art and design, offering a more holistic view of the medium.

The Future of Gaming in Museums

As video games continue to evolve and shape our cultural landscape, it’s crucial for art institutions to recognize and celebrate their impact. Whether it’s exploring the landscapes of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or delving into the complexities of Dwarf Fortress, games offer a unique blend of storytelling, art, and interaction.

The integration of video games into the world of art museums is a testament to the evolving nature of artistic expression. As we move forward, it’s essential to recognize the profound impact games have on our cultural and artistic understanding. By bridging the gap between traditional art and digital gaming, we can create a more inclusive and diverse narrative of human creativity.