Janet Murray

Definition

Janet Murray is a prominent scholar in the field of digital media and a key figure in video game art theory, known for her influential work 'Hamlet on the Holodeck'. She explores the narrative possibilities of digital environments and emphasizes the unique storytelling capabilities of interactive media. Her ideas have sparked critical debates about the nature of art in video games and the role of interactivity in storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Murray's book 'Hamlet on the Holodeck' argues that video games can create immersive narratives that engage players more deeply than traditional media.
2. She introduced the concept of 'procedural rhetoric', which describes how rules and systems within a game can convey messages and persuade players.
3. Murray advocates for viewing video games as a legitimate form of art, challenging conventional boundaries between art forms.
4. Her work emphasizes that interactivity is a fundamental aspect of video game narratives, allowing players to make choices that affect story outcomes.
5. Murray's contributions have influenced a generation of scholars, artists, and designers in understanding the artistic potential of interactive media.

Review Questions

• How does Janet Murray's concept of 'procedural rhetoric' expand our understanding of storytelling in video games?
  • Janet Murray's concept of 'procedural rhetoric' expands our understanding of storytelling by highlighting how the mechanics and rules of a game can communicate messages to players. This means that rather than just passive consumption, players engage with the game's systems, which shape their experiences and interpretations. By recognizing that gameplay itself can be a form of argument or persuasion, we appreciate how video games can tell complex stories through interactivity.
• In what ways does Murray argue for the recognition of video games as an art form, and what implications does this have for the broader discourse on digital media?
  • Murray argues for the recognition of video games as an art form by emphasizing their unique capabilities for narrative immersion and interactivity. She suggests that just like traditional forms of art, video games can provoke thought, evoke emotions, and present aesthetic experiences. This recognition challenges critics who dismiss video games as mere entertainment and elevates discussions on digital media's cultural significance, expanding our understanding of what constitutes art.
• Evaluate how Janet Murray's ideas on interactive narratives could influence future developments in both game design and storytelling techniques across various media.
  • Janet Murray's ideas on interactive narratives could significantly influence future developments in game design by encouraging designers to create more engaging and meaningful player experiences. As more media embrace interactivity, her principles may lead to innovations in storytelling techniques not only within video games but also in film and literature. This shift could result in narratives that require audience participation to unfold, blurring the lines between creators and consumers while fostering deeper emotional connections with stories.

Related terms

Interactive Narrative: A form of storytelling in which the audience actively participates in shaping the plot and outcome, often found in video games.

Transmedia: A technique where a single story or experience is told across multiple platforms, allowing for a richer narrative experience.

Digital Aesthetics: The study of how digital technology influences the visual, auditory, and experiential aspects of art, including video games.