Computer Games: A New Medium for Traditional Asian Art

Computer games are the result of the convergence of art and technology. In this paper, we explore the possibility using computer games as a medium for promoting Asian culture and art, and therefore asserting that it should be considered as an art form itself. To establish why computer games can be considered art, we take into account the major theories of art based on historical, institutional, aesthetic, representational and expressive definitions. We also present the computer games that we have developed and show how these can be used to exhibit the culture and art of a country. The first game is Tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) based on Thailand’s popular mode of transportation. It is essentially a taxi simulation game where the player has to pick up passengers and bring them to their desired location. In the game the traditional architecture of Bangkok’s structures is shown, passengers wear Thai traditional costumes and Thai music is played in the background. The second game is “O An Quan” (game of squares), a traditional board game played with stones in Vietnam. It is similar to Malaysia’s “Congkak” and the Philippines’ “Sungka”.