Videogames: The Medium of the 21st Century

Video games have already out-earned movies, music, and television combined. But their real impact as a new art form is just beginning.

#1about 8 minutes

A veteran's journey through game development history

The speaker recounts his 42-year career, from tabletop RPGs to influential video games like Ultima Underworld, System Shock, and Deus Ex.

#2about 5 minutes

The massive cultural and business impact of games

Video games have surpassed movies, music, and television combined in revenue and now appeal to a broad, diverse global audience.

#3about 5 minutes

The four unique elements that define video games

Games are a unique medium because they transport players to other worlds, require active participation, and create a responsive two-way dialogue.

#4about 8 minutes

Shared authorship as a core design philosophy

Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, the concept of shared authorship empowers players to co-create the story through meaningful choices and consequences.

#5about 5 minutes

Defining the roles of the developer and the player

Developers create the context and boundaries of the experience, while players assess challenges, formulate plans, and execute them to create their unique story.

#6about 6 minutes

Why games are the defining medium of our time

Beyond entertainment, games provide joy, connection, and intellectual challenges while also driving major technological advancements in hardware and software.