Extra Lives | Tom Bissell | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Videogames are an important form of storytelling that offer immersive experiences and unique narrative possibilities.

Transcript

COMMENTATOR: Hi everyone. Thanks for coming. It's great pleasure for me to introduce Tom Bissell. Tom is the author of two previous books of non-fiction: Chasing the Sea and The Father of All Things, as well as, the wonderful short story collection God Lives in Saint Petersburg, which won him many well deserved accolades. In his newest book, Extr... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Videogames offer a unique form of storytelling that is still developing and has the potential for profound impact.
• 🔉 The evolution of games from simple competitive activities to complex narratives reflects the desire of the medium to become a storytelling medium.

Questions & Answers

Q: How have videogames evolved over time in terms of storytelling?

Videogames have moved from simple competitive activities to complex narrative experiences. They have become a new form of storytelling that is still developing.

Q: What is the significance of storytelling in videogames?

Storytelling in videogames is important because it provides a new form of entertainment and artistic expression. It allows players to be immersed in a narrative and experience emotional transformations.

Q: Can videogames have the same emotional impact as novels or movies?

Videogames can have emotional impact, but it is a different kind of experience. While games may not be as emotionally profound as novels or movies, they offer unique storytelling possibilities that should be appreciated in their own way.

Q: How do multiplayer online games fit into the storytelling aspect of videogames?

Multiplayer online games are more focused on competitive gameplay rather than storytelling. However, there are still storytelling possibilities in flash games and other online games that can create aesthetic experiences.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Author Tom Bissell discusses the significance of videogames in his book "Extra Lives: Why Videogames Matter".

• He argues that videogames offer a new form of storytelling that is still developing and has the potential for profound impact.

• Bissell highlights the evolution of games from simple competitive activities to more complex narrative experiences.

• He believes that games can provide emotional resonance and unique storytelling experiences.