jul 12
2007
Critical Gaming
Everyone understands there's a schism between critical acclaim and popular success, right? Sure, it's true for movies, books, and movies -- but, as NYT shows, games are the exception. [via]
2 comments
Not to invite the scorn of well, everybody on the internet, but the reason is obvious. Movies, music and books are an <em>art form</em> and video games are well, <em>games</em>. Art is a messy, subjective thing and judging the best is more gut and guessing than science. Determining what's a good game (whether it's a board, card or video) is much easier. Is it fun to play? The reason Chuck Klosterman hasn't been able to find the Video Game Lester Bangs is simple: it's not too hard to figure out what's fun to play and what's not. All these attempts to make games into capital A Art are counterproductive and reek of bitter jealousy. Be happy just being a game and be content with all the joy that that you already bring people.
posted by joseph at 2007-07-12 10:24:27 
It's also the idea that critics of movies, music, and books are considered to be learned and "better" than the average joe, whereas videogame reviewers are just like those who play the game.
posted by Ironic at 2007-07-15 00:55:56
