Apocalyptic imagery in digital games : a study assessing Darksiders and Darksiders II as artworks in contemporary society

Abstract

This thesis aims to accentuate digital games as a form of art. The study shall focus firstly on the nature of both art and games as a concept. The purpose of delving slightly into game theory intends to help appreciate the study behind digital games. Secondly, the game narrative shall be discussed in order to demonstrate how apocalyptic imagery is meant to give depth to the games Darksiders and Darksiders II. Subsequently the use of the uncanny and the grotesque shall be compared and contrasted between popular culture texts and the games' universe. This leads to the third focus which analyses the relationship between games and society A debate on the values and trends of postmodernism and hyper modernism in relation to the values displayed in the games shall ensue. Finally, all aspects discussed will be transposed as a testimony of the artistic feats this relatively new medium attempts to achieve.