Editor’s note: This was originally supposed to be posted in early June, but WordPress pooped out on, so here it is now.
Jason Schreier from Wired.com had a great article a few months back on the roles of auteurs in video game production:
Most games, like most movies, are a massive undertaking involving the work of hundreds of people. But many films — the best, some would argue — are driven by the central creative direction of a single auteur. No matter how many other people work on a project, auteur theory holds that it is possible for a single, strong creative vision to shine through. Bringing such a dynamic to videogames could result in stronger stories, more compelling gameplay — and fewer artistic and commercial failures that result from that well-established enemy of the creative process, design by committee.
Personally, I’m all in on the importance of auteurs for not only video games, but for other forms of entertainment as well. Telling me that Tim Schafer or David Jaffe is directing a new game immediately puts it on my radar and oftentimes I will buy it sight unseen because I have such faith in the auteur. That’s why something like Shadows of the Damned has my attention despite me never hearing of the game before and being totally unaware of how the game plays. The simple fact that the guys who created Resident Evil and No More Heroes are making this game is enough to get me excited.
The same holds true for movies and television as well. I used to find shows and films to watch based off of the stars in the film, but gradually began to realize that the director/showrunner has a far greater effect on the quality of the content than the actors do. Amazing acting in a poorly directed movie still drags down the movie, but a well-directed movie can overcome some poorly acted scenes.
What do you guys think? Is liking an entertainment auteur enough reason for you to check out a new title?
via Wired.com
