The nature of videogame criticism

[artfist]

Would love some constructive feedback on the latest artfist.org podcast which is focused on gaming. Jon Cronshaw and Critical Mister talk in some detail about what makes a good game, storytelling and narrative in games, and the nature of games criticism.

We are currently looking for more game critics, as well as TV, film, and book reviewers.

http://www.artfist.org/search/label/Games

[DifferentClass]

I did give it a listen. Interesting points were made and there is nothing I'd disagree with. The "our plan" thing in Resident Evil cracked me up, I'd forgotten all about that.

To add to the game criticism discussion I think there is too much dominance from American media. As National magazines become less common and your IGNs and what not become the go to for news, reviews and opinion pieces for the globe there is a less diverse range of thinking. It's just what American culture thinks calling all the shots. I've nothing against American culture but to just have a single voice heard, or be the main voice, and not have that variety of thinking when it comes to criticism.
Again, I'm not saying every American thinks the same, I'm just saying their is a general theme.

[artfist]

This is a really interesting point and one we didn’t touch on in the discussion. I think you’re right about the American influence, in the sense that many of the reviewers have broadly similar cultural norms and values. I think we need a more diverse range of critical voices – we rarely hear from female game critics (Naomi Alderman is the only prominent one I can think of), for example.

Maybe the reason for the lack of range is due to the nature of games, and perhaps more importantly the negative portrayal of games and gamers in the mainstream media. Perhaps if the stereotype of “the gamer” is challenged, a more diverse range of voices will start to emerge.

[DifferentClass]

Yep. That goes for games development as well as critique. Most getting into game development are the same kinds of people raised on games so similar games are getting made.

There are people thinking outside the box but progress seems slower and often more misguided than it could, or should be.