Videogames and Art

FromMadden NFL 2007toGrand Theft Auto: Vice City, videogames are firmly enmeshed in modern culture. Acknowledging the increasing cultural impact of this rapidly changing industry,Videogames and Artis one of the first books devoted to the study of videogame art, featuring in-depth essays that offer an unparalleled overview of the field. The distinguished contributors range broadly over this vast intellectual terrain, positioning videogame art as a crucial interdisciplinary mix of digital technologies and the traditions of pictorial art. They examine machinima and game console artwork, politically oriented videogame art, and the production of digital art; they also interview prominent videogame artists about their work. Rounding outVideogames and Artis a critique of the commercial videogame industry comprising several critical essays on the current quality and originality of videogames. An essential volume for our digital age,Videogames and Artwill be a fascinating read for players, fans, skeptics, and scholars alike.

Andy Clarke is an independent writer, curator, and researcher on digital art and videogames. Grethe Mitchell is a senior lecturer in digital media and videogames at the School of Cultural and Innovation Studies in the University of East London.