Most people often overlook video games, seeing them as a source of distraction from their problems and lives with the word ‘murder simulator’ thrown around by the media. However, from the artistic point of view, they can be created and presented in such a way where the experiencer can relish in full, another state of consciousness, or personal experience.

The canvas artist has brushes with an assortment of fine colours, some mixed to fine tune the scenery and surroundings. The musician has a variety of devices to manipulate for creating auditory works of art. While creating, the skilled artist has the unique ability to transfer into their work what they are seeing, hearing and also feeling. It’s the combination of seeing, hearing and feeling which paint the experience in the mind of the person.

This is what interests me about video game design the most. Skilfully combining these three elements, video games can be viewed as a ‘consciousness simulator’. Taking the gamer into another realm of existence.The purpose of this blog is demonstrating my gradual progression towards this goal, as well as presenting other aspects which I feel should have some place here. (Some of which though, not entirely related to this ;o)

As I embark on this path, it is my hope to someday fully allow the gamer to experience something completely out of this world. Learn new things about themselves and their environment while being completely absorbed in the seeing, hearing and experiencing aspects. With the combination of the ability to interact and manipulate the experience, this is what makes a great game for any gamer.

I also have an interest in the psychology of gamers. Their different brain waves or states when they are immersed in game play, just for example. Also how to simulate other senses, such as smell and taste with just an auditory and visual experience? All these aspects should be considered to manipulate the psychology (or mind) of the gamer to present a far superior gaming experience!

So does all this sound similar to something? Sure does. If you’re familiar with Star Trek, load holodeck program three, two alpha! So essentially, it’s all just a race to create a holodeck experience with currently available technologies. As time goes on, something better will come along, and then some. But for now, I’d prefer to make something awesome with what I’ve got.

So, anyone want to play? Press any key to continue…