Should Video Games Be Considered As Works Of Literature?

Video games are generally scorned by older generations as a waste of the player's time, a bad influence on them, damaging to their health both physical and mental, and a host of other allegations. It is true that a person can allow themselves to be swallowed up in the game, never to return. However, it's important to also remember that much the same was said 200 years ago about reading novels.

Duke University offers a class called Video Games as Literature, where games are studied in the same way a book would be in an English class. Students one semester were required to buy the game Lord of the Rings and assignments included having their character be at a certain level by the next class. The instructor taught the point that video games allow a story to take on more in-depth experience than a book can allow, in much the same way as a film, but more so.

Video games can allow the story to be viewed from different characters' perspectives, as the player can choose and switch who they play as. The game offers a much more interactive opportunity, allowing the player to really participate in the plot development of the story. Some games have very linear stories that the player is bound to, where no matter what, they can only go to certain rooms and their actions are limited to whatever will bring out the prescribed ending of the game. Other games, especially the sandbox style of game, allow players to explore the world of the game and while the end result may still be the same they are given much more breadth in the choice of path that takes them there.

Nowadays, games have to be available on a huge array of platforms when they're released. For example: when the latest addition to a racing game franchise comes out on the market, it has be formatted to be played on PS3, Xbox360, Wii, Nintendo DS, and available for PSP download. That's a tall order, and it means a lot of additional work, since each system has its own specifics and controls, etc. However, it can be likened to books being translated into other languages.

Just as genres of books exist video games are cataloged in much the same manner. Games fall into categories such as first person, third person, strategy games, shooters, mysteries/quests, simulations, and are labeled by their content just as much as the way in which players are invited into them.

Viewing video games as a form of literature will assuredly be viewed as blasphemy by some, but will ring true with others. At this time in history, electronic interaction has very much become a way of life: Any fact or bit of knowledge is found on the Internet, work of any kind involves a computer, and communication are all dependent on electronic technology. It stands to reason then, that literature and entertainment take on a digital aspect.

Nathan Lofton is a freelance writer and avid gamer. He has been playing video games since his older brother handed down a well worn NES. He is big proponent of hand hold gaming often contributes to http://www.pspdownloads.com/

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Good Reads Versus Great Literature Considered - A Book Lovers Discussion

There is a big difference between a book which would be considered a good read, and what we consider to be great literature. After all, you wouldn't say that a work by Hemingway was a good read rather you say it is great literature. Today, when you hear booklovers talk about a good read, generally they are talking about a popular novel writer, and a New York Times bestselling author who specializes in writing thrillers, suspense, detective, or spy novels.

When we say it's a good read, we are talking about a book with a fast pace, lots of action, lots of emotion and drama, and a book that you just can't put down. In other words, we are talking about a novel that gets you so involved in the book, that you'd rather read it than do anything else, including sleep. A book where you just keep turning the pages and you just have to know what happens next, you just can't stop at any particular breaking point simply because one chapter has ended.

So, what makes it a good reading book? Usually, it is one where you, the reader, identifies with one or more of the characters, and you end up despising some of the others. Books and novels that make you think, or challenge your morality, integrity, or ethical fiber are some of the best. Throw in a little action, an interesting location, some historical fiction, or even an explanation of an area or endeavor of science, technology, or innovation and you have all the components you need.

Does this mean someone who writes great literature cannot write a good read? Perhaps, and perhaps not, but most of what we consider to be good reads today, are certainly not considered to be superb literature, although many of the top writers and authors of our time are exceptional at their trade. Indeed, I hope you will please consider this.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in writing and reading both.

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