Comments on: Games: Art/Science Ratio?

By: rodnonymous

rodnonymous — Sun, 23 May 2010 03:35:57 +0000

I don’t dig on the ratios as they imply art and science are discrete things. And when I think science in games I am definitely thinking more about behavioral science than the technology the game is built on. All I see is reward systems unless I force myself to stop looking for them.

By: Sargon

Sargon — Sat, 22 May 2010 16:28:11 +0000

For me art is not just the artwork, is creating an experience exploiting the tools available. Whether you create sprites, or models, or a new gameplay mechanic, or a certain story or a certain AI. You are using technology to create an experience. It has no functional purpose per se.
You are not trying to reach the moon. You are not building a bridge to get to the other side.
The reason I said it is mostly art, is because the technology is not used to solve a problem, it has no obvious goal. You can create whatever you like and the result will still be a game, whether it serves a purpose or not, or whether others like it or not.

Science has a goal. Science is trying to achieve something clear. A game don’t have to achieve anything. You can create a game that has 10 levels in it. You can add another level to have 11 levels instead, or reduce it to 9 levels. It will change the experience, but it won’t make the game any more gamey if you add a level or reduce levels.
The creator invents the problems he wants to solve with his game, he is not trying to solve a real problem.

Sort of.
Oh well, I wasn’t able to say exactly what I think, but I said something. :)

By: Warhammer Imperial guard

Warhammer Imperial guard — Sat, 22 May 2010 06:44:25 +0000

For me, i’d say 50-gamers, 50-art, 50-science. Why? You see games started because of science, people whom evolve their lives in reading how technology works and how can they invent such products that will help people get into and be attached or have some relaxation. Art, seldom do we realize that just by the work of the game it is undeniably a piece of art. How they come up with the kind of games that forms a very remarkable visualization. For instance the comics that goes in the games, background or even the design. Gamers, they are the one who compliments and helps these games comes to life.

By: MC

MC — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:00:02 +0000

Art is not just graphics, it includes music, sound fx, story AND very important: Level Design

By: Jake Birkett

Jake Birkett — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:47:19 +0000

social games are more science

By: Sargon

Sargon — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:59:17 +0000

p.s. What is wrong with the survey’s font?

By: Sargon

Sargon — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:59:47 +0000

I think games are mostly art. Because in games technology is only ment to serve the gameplay\experience and etc.
When you make a game, what is the first thing you think about? “Oooh! Let’s make this super advanced phsycis engine!” “Oooh! Let’s make this super cool shader with CUDA!”
Or do you think: “Ok, I want a fun gameplay, what tools do I have in my disposal to achieve that?”. “I want great visuals, how does technology serve my asthetic vision”

You can have tons of games that use the exact same technology, but they will all be different.

Of course, sometimes new technology allows to bring new gameplay or a new edge. So it is also about technology. And obviously, a lot of engineering is required to create a game. So I wouldn’t say games are 100% art. My choise was 75% art 25% science.

By: Leroy 'The 1nteger' Frederick

Leroy 'The 1nteger' Frederick — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:28:31 +0000

I went with the 50/50 option, but I still believe that different games are some, all and more or less of those and other things, so it really depends on the game, genre and execution :)

By: Gorgor

Gorgor — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:27:58 +0000

VERY interesting polls!.. thanks for them (75% art)

By: Jake Birkett

Jake Birkett — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:04:02 +0000

good call on making the mixed poll. 50/50 here