Videogames and art

Videogame art is developing as an area of burgeoning interest, departing from embryonic roots into a flourishing division of scholarly study.

The collection provides both an overview of the field, positioning it within a social and commercial context with reference to other forms of digital and pictorial art, and to the mainstream videogames industry.

The book details specialized areas of the subject such as machinima and games console artwork and includes a series of individual interviews with both established and emerging videogame artists.

In addition to the aesthetic design and production of this area of digital art, contributors examine works of politically-orientated videogame art which depict a critical engagement with the social or cultural issues of its time.

Following this review of the genre's artistic elements, the book diverts into a broader critical appraisal of the commercial games industry, posing several polemical pieces upon the present quality and originality of video games in general.

The book provides a thorough yet accessible introduction to those interested and involved in the academic study of videogame art.