Discursively Constructing the Art of Silent Hill
Year: 2010
Type: article
Abstract: This article explores the construction of Silent Hill—Konami’s survival horror video game series—as art. Adopting a discursive approach to the notion of ‘‘art,’’ the extent to which traditional formations of cultural value are mobilized is explored across three aspects of the series’ first four installments. The Silent Hill game texts are examined as evoking formal devices of art cinema, including realism, ambiguity, psychological complexity, and self-reflexivity. Next the games’ advertising is considered as emphasizing these qualities, privileging narrative over ludic gaming aspects. Finally the games’ representation in the documentary ‘‘The Making of Silent Hill 2’’ is discussed as positioning the series within frameworks of artistry and authorship.
Source: Games and Culture
Author: Ewan Kirkland
Institution: Kingston University London
Language: English
Topic: Digital Games and Media
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2131851384