Experience Points - The Art of Video Games

Behind the content and design work is a group of Bittiapollon students from the University of Jyväskylä’s cultural studies, musicology and art history students. Producer Soli Perttu, who was chosen from a group of students, says that after the first ideas, the group started with what the game art entails. “We each reflected on our own experiences and insights into how art is experienced in games and what different aspects are involved in the art of games.” 

The exhibition presents key themes and phenomena for video game art. The content focuses on the art of creating games, fan art and the player experience, for example. One theme is the relationship between more traditional art forms and video game art. Jaakko Kemppainen, a county artist in the field of acting, compares digital games to a theatrical production or a music orchestra, but according to him, it is ultimately the player who makes art games. Kemppainen’s interview can also be seen in the exhibition. 

Completely new applications have been created for the exhibition. Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences’ game design students have created a unique virtual reality experience for the exhibition, where visitors can experience the magical world with the help of VR glasses. “Students need work experience as well as opportunities to develop themselves and produce games. This was just it! The project provided an opportunity to try something new and challenge yourself in the field of VR technology, ”says Juho Harju, a game design student.

The name of the exhibition is based on the XPs or experience points familiar to many video game players, which are freely translated into experience points. In video games, the player can get points for, for example, developing their game character or solving a new challenge.

In the exhibition, you can also try to make your own game character, play video games and get acquainted with various game art phenomena through videos and pictures.