The important of lighting in videos games shoulder never be underestimated sand it is with that thought I have chosen this subject a s focal point in my essay. The composition of lighting can often go unnoticed consciously, but subconsciously it is one of the most crucial design factors that make use as the audience react accordingly based on how the theme, narrative or genre of the story being told to us. It is evident even in historical and cultural examples how the effect and power of lighting can portray such drastic moods and help develop the atmosphere of a scene of story. It is important to make clear connections between historical and cultural examples to show how they have influenced the effects of lighting in the present and also light is creatively implemented in game design.
Chapter 1- Light as a Phenomenon in Video Games:
Through television, movies and video games, human experiences are more believable because they are from visual interfaces. Realism has become the most visually effective way to immerse an audience. Unlike text, an image can say more about a situation and take less time to experience than reading. Using visual information to express a situation has a greater impact especially where realism is concerned. (King, 2002) Film is a strong example as it can effectively make it's audience react based on the visuals on the screen. Whether it be sound, special effects, acting ability or story, each aspect is combined to bring the audience into an immersive world. As technology has advanced, Video Games have approached similar elements or concepts based around cinematic realism and design. Animation, narrative, sound, graphics and lighting techniques have vastly improved over the years and in result have turned video games into a strong cinematic like experience. The unique benefit with video games however, is instead of watching the action like in a film, you control it. In recent years games have produced more cinematic narratives and situations in which a player is actively part of. (Magy, 2007) The way in which other design elements come together such as graphics, sound and animation etc is what really makes the player immersed. Lighting is a crucial factor in modern game design, as with the latest technology you can produce environments and situations that are incredibly realistic. The right tools and techniques from various programs enable designers to make light behave in the same ways that it does in reality. (Magy, 2007) Therefore making an environment or space seem far more dynamic and atmospheric than it has ever been. Illuminating a space takes considerable time and understanding, especially where genre, theme and emotion are involved. As in movies, lighting is used to convey the events within the movie, such as portraying a character's personality or setting the atmosphere of a scene. Depending on the genre of that movie, the lighting methods and techniques will adapt to express the theme. As within Video Games, lighting can be manipulated to create any sense of emotion or feeling. Utilizing the cinematic techniques from film and implementing them into video games, is an important new development that will bring the realism we feel from movies, into coherent and controllable games. (King, 2002)
Bibliography:
King, G. and Kryzywinska, T. (2002) Screenplay Cinema/Video Games/ Interfaces. Wallflower press.
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