Computer Games in Art History. Traditional architecture and painting presented in virtual reality

In: E-methodology, Band 5, Heft 5, S. 84-99

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the research is to show the applications of art reception in computer games. Moreover it is important to show the game as a visual object worth to analysis for art historian, because of complex structure and relations with traditional artistic media like architecture and painting. Many disciplines, like ludology, narratology and culture study research computer games, but we can see a large lack in the state of research in visual aspects of games, which should be supplemented.
Methods. The subject of study are five games belonging to different game genres. The first, Assasin's Creed II is set in a historical context, the next Witcher III and Dark Souls embedded in the realities of fantasy and finally, two games in an independent games category. The basic method is iconographic identification of the object and comparative difference and similarity between original source of inspiration and transposition of this in computer media. Therefore basic tools gained from history of art are used, which are necessary for visual analysis of a piece of art. Also important is notion of a commonplace forming a frame for images from different media.
Results. Indicated examples show that classic art has a strong influence on numerous computer games. The citations and allusions from art brings an additional narration completing the story in the game. Objects of architecture or paintings also give symbolic meanings, influencing the interpretation of the whole game. Game developers oscillate between education in the history of art and the use of these references to create your own world.
Conclusion. The examples presented in the article are only part of the rich area of art inspirations that can be found in many games. This should become a contribution to further research, not only taking into account the indicated types of references, but also the visuality of the games themselves The visual complexity of the games would require separate, more extensive research that would bring a lot into the perception of games and researching them