Notes

Minecraft Awarded GameCity Videogame Arts Prize

Minecraft awarded GameCity videogame arts prize by Leo Kelion Technology reporter



29 October 2011



Minecraft has won a new award for arts in computer games.



The GameCity videogame festival ended in Nottingham and the prize was announced.



The title is the product of an independent Swedish company, Mojang. Players have to build objects from blocks in an open environment.



The game was picked over other releases, including Southend Interactive's Ilomilo from Valve and Game Freak's Pokemon Noir by Game Freak.



"It's an honor to be compared to those games," said Markus Persson Mojang's co-founder.



"Winning this award helps us to at making Minecraft the most enjoyable game it can be."



Nearly four million people have purchased the game online, despite it being still in beta. The game will be released in a formal manner next month.



It was like it was growing, and it was different from other. It was organic in its nature," one of the judges, Ed Hall, told the BBC.



"It's simplistic and addictive, and there's an element of beauty in what you are doing."



Confident in their culture



Iain Simons (GameCity's director) expressed his delight at the decision.



The festival is now in its sixth year. Since then, he says he has seen a rise in the average age of gamers, and more women are attracted by the sport.



He added, "There is a much greater number of gamers."



"They are becoming more common They have become more confident in their cultural identity, and this prize, the festival, is particularly concerned with the development of that confidence."



A large part of this phenomenon is attributed to the growth of smartphones. The popularity of sophisticated games that are made possible by today's smartphones is partly due to the rise in the use of smartphones.



Modern computer processors and graphics chips will surely give designers a larger palette of options. But, Mr. Simon believes that the advancements make any difference to the designers their status as artists.



"I believe technology is an illusion. Technology allows games to appear more real. To look as if a triple-A blockbuster would look like," he said.



"I do not believe that this is in itself something that makes them art. We wouldn't have the ability to cry at Bambi if it wasn't for that. It's not all about photorealism.



The judges in the contest seem to agree, admitting they picked the most basic title available.



The jury comprised 13 members from a variety of backgrounds, including Dr Who actress Frances Barber, Labour MP Tom Watson and the artistic director of London's Southbank centre, Jude Kelly.



Enhancing life



Not everyone was convinced of Minecraft's merits at first. The composer, Nitin Sawhney, who was also on the panel was critical of its soundtrack.



However neither the music nor the design of the game was fatal to its chances.



"[We asked if there was one that we felt was superior to the rest. Does there have any merit to the game that enhances life and enjoyment beyond the game? Can it change your perception of the world more positive?" said Mr. Hall.



"Could an online game be considered something that can be enjoyed in the future?"



Minecraft is a game that includes the traditional elements of gaming, such as monsters roaming at night and the opportunity to take on multiplayer battles online.



However, it was ultimately selected on the basis of its mood and ability to inspire gamers to be creative.
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Mr Hall stated, "It's a broad definition of art that can be had."



"But computer games are definitely artistic. There are pictures and stories that engage you, ideas that boggle your mind for hours and a whole package that will keep you coming back for days."



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