Abstract
The video game Perspective (Borgen et al./DigiPen, 2012) poses a challenge onto current classifications of game spaces in the field of game studies, and onto established conventions of dimensionality in the game industry. Based on the challenge posed by this game, this paper explores whether spatial properties of game worlds are intrinsic to them and simply reflected via their representations, or whether their spatial properties are essentially arbitrary and must be produced and held up via spatial discourse. In the light of its findings, the paper questions whether it makes still sense to maintain a categorical distinction between 2D and 3D games.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Borgen et al.: Perspective (Computer Game). DigiPen Corp., Seattle (2012)
Aarseth, E.: Allegories of Space: Spatiality in Computer Games. Zeitschrift für Semiotik 23(3-4), 301–318 (2001)
Aarseth, E., Smedstad, S.M., Sunnana, L.: A Multi-Dimensional Typology of Games. In: Copier, M., Raessens, J. (eds.) Level Up Digital Games Research Conference, pp. 48–53. Universiteit Utrecht Press, Utrecht (2003)
Elverdam, C., Aarseth, E.: Game Classification and Game Design: Construction Through Critical Analysis. Games and Culture 2(1), 3–22 (2007)
Ryan, M.-L.: Beyond Myth and Metaphor – The Case of Narrative in Digital Media. Game Studies 1(1) (2001)
Pac Man (Computer Game). Atari Inc., New York (1981)
De Mul, J.: The Game of Life: Narrative and Ludic Identity Formation in Computer Games. In: Raessens, J., Goldstein, J. (eds.) Handbook of Computer Game Studies, pp. 251–266. MIT Press, Cambridge (2005)
Pong (Computer Game). Atari Inc., New York (1972)
Space Invaders (Computer Game), Taito, Tokio (1978)
Centipede (Computer Game), Atari Inc., New York (1981)
Zettl, H.: Sight Sound Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics. Wadsworth Publishing Company, Belmont (1990)
Home Run (Computer Game), Atari Inc., New York (1978)
Fernandez-Vara, C., Mateas, M., Zagal, J.: Evolution of Spatial Configurations in Gameplay. In: Proceedings of 2005 DIGRA Conference (2005)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Is̨ığan, A. (2013). The Visual Construction of Narrative Space in Video Games. In: Koenitz, H., Sezen, T.I., Ferri, G., Haahr, M., Sezen, D., C̨atak, G. (eds) Interactive Storytelling. ICIDS 2013. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8230. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02756-2_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02756-2_4
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-02755-5
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-02756-2
eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)