Gaming
Walter notes that game arts is no longer confined to its traditional boundaries but is merging with various mediums and industries. Iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Pokemon have transitioned into narrative films, while Assassin’s Creed is making its way to Netflix. Vazquez foresees a broader influence of gaming, extending beyond mere adaptations, as filmmakers and animators explore game creation platforms like Unreal Engine.
The unexpected rise in popularity of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) as a form of passive entertainment further exemplifies the dissolution of boundaries between genres. Initially designed for interactivity, personalization, and ephemerality, D&D has transformed with shows like Critical Role, where professional actors record campaigns streamed as video content and podcasts across multiple platforms.
The convergence of games with various aspects of life is set to intensify. The blending of marketing and gaming is already evident, and Walter anticipates a more seamless fusion in the future, leveraging the potent interactivity and reward structures of games. Furthermore, game design has the potential to revolutionize trauma treatment, therapy, and education positively.
Walter summarizes the overarching trend as the gradual disappearance of boundaries between the game world and everything else. The future of game design is expected to transcend genres, cultures, technologies, and platforms, forming an innovative hybrid that is currently beyond imagination.
While the specifics remain uncertain, one constant is the pivotal role of students engaging in game arts programs at institutions like CCA. They are seen as the driving force shaping the future of game design, contributing to the ongoing evolution of this dynamic and boundary-defying field.