I don’t know why we look at any sort of change in technology, or in my case art, as aberrant.  I think changes in videogames, as in any other medium, are just a form of evolution and aren’t necessarily good or bad.

To say that one form or aesthetic is better than another doesn’t really make sense to me, especially in the realm of arts and entertainment. In reality, these things are incredibly subjective and can’t be evaluated in such strict terms.  As video games progress, we probably will see mainstream games increasing their use of high resolution models and textures, reaching for the apex of realism, whilst others will push the technology in other directions, focusing on the mechanics and dynamics of the game, using the hardware to process interaction rather than aesthetics.

We will probably also see changes in the interfaces we use.  That isn’t to say that the NES’s old, gigantic joystick is a bad thing, or even its regular game pads, it just means that we’re capable of doing other things as well, and that these new technologies may or may not be fun and interesting to use.  I personally don’t mind playing Mario on a d-pad and two buttons, but who knows, I might find it fun to do the jumping for real every once in a while.

Conservative and progressive viewpoints are pretty much irrelevant, in my opinion, when it comes to art, games and entertainment, if for no other reason than people wanting new, interesting things and companies wanting to turn a profit. Just because the kinect is out and the wii fit is replacing your gym doesn’t mean you have to throw out your N64.  I still love playing Super Smash Bros. for N64, regardless of how much “better” the new consoles are.

Share