For my video essay, I would like to conduct an investigation in the noir tag applied to video games in the online Steam store. I’d like to compare the elements within these video games such as aesthetics, narrative devices, narratives themes, and cinematography (if applicable??) to popular films noir and neo-noir films to see what pieces of these genres are being recognized as “noir” in these video games.
Research question(s): What does the noir tag suggests about the video games its applied to, and how does it relate to film noir and neo noir? What elements of film and neo noir are present in video games today?
Subjects/Topics: I want to use my project to discuss how aspects of film noir translate into a gaming medium. I’d also like to learn what Steam as a platform considers key to the “noir” experience. To do this, I’m going to have to pull from a variety of noir characteristics including themes (existentialism, fatal women, the city and corruption) and formal elements. However, I likely won’t be analyzing every single one of these aspects of noir. This leads into my next point on…
…What texts I will use in my project?
: From that given outline it might seem like I’m going incredibly broad in scope. To keep my scope a bit more manageable, my plan is to analyze a few of the top selling/most highly rated games in the noir tag (Disco Elysium, Empire of Sin, and The Journey Down: Chapter Two are currently at the top). In my analysis of these games I’ll pick out key ways in which they fit with the definition of film noir/neo noir and key ways they do not. What this means is that for the key aspect of noir I pick out, I will reference the corresponding text. For example, I know Disco Elysium is a game rooted in themes of existentialism, so I will be using the Porfirio for reference. Also, regardless of what texts I do, I will probably be referencing the Peter Fenzel article “L.A. Noire and the Video Game Value of Work” as it delves into both noir and video games. Finally, that brings me to…
…What films will I use in my project?:
Immediately I know I’ll be referencing The Maltese Falcon in comparison to Disco Elysium as both deal with themes of existentialism. As I investigate the other highly rated games, I’ll try and pair a corresponding film to a game based on their similarities in themes and/or aesthetics. I might also pick a film to define as a “classic” noir film and compare all the games to that as a way to streamline the project.
And that’s it! Do you have any tips for me that might improve on my project or help me out? Have you played any of the games below or know of a classically noir game that I should be aware of? Let me know!
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8 replies on “Video Essay Proposal: Steam Noir Tag”
Very cool idea. Video games are always an interesting point of research for me. If you’re looking for more games that might fit under the noir umbrella, The Wolf among us is a great example
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Sam! What a cool idea! I know very little about video games, let alone “noir” video games. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can find. You mentioned picking a “classic” noir film to reference. I think “The Big Combo” (1955) might be good. When we watched it for class, I kept thinking it checked off many boxes for the film noir category. I think you might want to also use the reading (s) on genre too (Altman and Braudy). Even looking at the Place/Peterson reading might help too since it focused on visual motifs. At the very least it could help you identify some iconic film noir stylistic characteristics in the games you choose…
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While I do not know much about these specific games, I find the idea of Noir in video games to be interesting. I think it would also be interesting to add in “The Wolf Among Us” to your list of potential essay points. It will add a fantasy element that adds a large weight to deciding the genre between fantasy and film noir. It might add blatant instances of Noir aspects that will help your argument.
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I think your topic is interesting,to see how the noir genre can be replicated into an interactive medium like video games. The games and films you have picked are excellent and your idea to tie in certain games to certain films is a great idea.
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Sam, your research question is engaging. Using video games as a medium for the noir genre is creative, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Video games containing noir elements could include The Wolf Among Us, or Red Dead Redemption 2 (which is a Western game, but possesses noir characteristics like expressionistic images/existentialism and crime).
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Sam, your concept for this project is really awesome! Your reading selections are carefully thought out and applicable to your thesis, as well as your choices of films and games. the only thing I would say that you should also look at is the game The Wolf Among Us (which I know several other people have mentioned). I’m honestly very much looking forward to seeing where your project goes from here!
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Sam, I honestly think that this topic is one of the most interesting out of the class as far as the video essays go. I think the idea of exploring how noir films have influenced video games is huge. Personally, I have not played many noir video games, however I know the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 game has some elements of noir. Even though this game is not out yet, you may be able to see some gameplay on YouTube. Overall, I think this is a very compelling topic and look forward to seeing what you produce.
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I believe looking at games in the sense of noir is important to analyzing the genre. I think it will be interesting how you find these games implement the elements of the genre and how these games may differ from the films we have watched since you will be essentially playing the main character rather than just be observing them.
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