Performing video games: Approaching games as musical instruments
Abstract
In this thesis, I argue that approaching video games as musical instruments can create unique sonic experiences through the application of game engines and game ideas to musical performance, creation and instrumentation. I show that many artists' and musicians' experimentations in sound arts can be categorized as narration, timbre, generative systems, space and interaction. These elements can all be found in games and game-as-a-musical-instrument enhances music in these areas. This also increases the immersion and the possibility of flow of the performance as well as the accessibility of music creation, especially for a younger audience. On the other hand, games benefit from the more creative approaches of artists and musicians as they can create meaningful experiences using game technologies. The number of games that feature sound and music as the most important element is very small compared to the overwhelming majority. In addition, the sound-focused games that do exist lack in certain areas when they are considered as "games-as-musical-instruments". Due to the lack of studies about the topic, a design model for creating games-as-musical-instruments is also proposed. The model is composed of ideas from new media theory, systems theory and game sound. Such an interdisciplinary approach is necessary since games-as-musical-instruments are interdisciplinary objects. Finally, I have developed Causality with these ideas in mind. The first iteration was deployed as an installation in East Patti and Rusty Rueff Gallery at Purdue University. The feedback from the installation has shown the possibilities as well as problems and potential pitfalls that can be improved and avoided. Even though the design model proved helpful, the most important challenge has been identified as the balance between the visual stimuli and the sonic stimuli.
Degree
M.F.A.
Advisors
McMullen, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Music|Mass communications
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.