Games as a Social Art Form

Analysis of "Agency as Art" by C. Thi Nguyen

C. Thi Nguyen's "Agency as Art" is a chapter from his book "Games: Agency as Art" published by Oxford University Press, which is a world-renowned, highly reputable academic publisher. The chapter is certainly worthy of the publishing house and is a finely written, scholarly piece that fits nicely into the expected style of academic writing. In this case, the field into which it applies is the field of game studies and philosophy. The intended audience appears to be scholars, students, and even enthusiasts in the field of game studies, philosophy, and even digital humanities.

Nguyen's main argument is that games are a unique form of art that allow players to explore different forms of agency. What does this mean? Essentially, Nguyen is referring to the idea that games provide a space for players to exercise control, a space where they can make decisions for themselves about their own play, a space where they can experience the consequences of those decisions—interactively—in a way that is wholly different from other forms of art. Thus, in the context of these games, "agency" refers to the ability of a player to make choices and take actions within the game world. The agency is his own. From deciding which path to take in an adventure game, to choosing how to interact with other characters in a role-playing game, to developing strategies in a strategy game, all of it is done within the scope of his own agency.

However, what really makes this unique, according to Nguyen, is that it allows players to explore different forms of agency in a structured environment. The rules of the game are situated within a framework in which players can exercise their agency. The goals of the game give direction to their actions.

For this reason, Nguyen argues that games are not just about achieving arbitrary goals but rather are also about the process of working towards those goals. This process, according to Nguyen, is what makes games a distinctive art form. He states, "A game uses all these elements to sculpt a form of activity. And when we play games, we take on an alternate form of agency" (p. 1). He also defines games as a “social technology” because it does involve world building and interaction with other minds, other players, and other ideas (p. 1).

Nguyen cites the works of other scholars in the field, such as Bernard Suits and Jane McGonigal. Their work gives context for his arguments. He also uses specific game examples, like "Sign," to illustrate his concepts. But ultimately Nguyen's credibility is made through his expert analysis. He refers to different sources, all of which show the depth of his understanding. Plus, his writing is filled with references to other scholars and theories.

Key passages from the reading that could be used to support these points include Nguyen's definition of games ("A game tells us to take up a particular goal..." p. 1), his discussion of the role of the game designer ("Games, then, are a unique social technology..." p. 1), and his critique of Jane McGonigal's work ("But this mistakes how peculiar game values are..." p. 21).