Book remediation in audiovisual arts through the lens of video games

Abstract

The article undertakes a comprehensive examination of the phenomenon of book remediation through the lens of the theoretical framework presented by American researchers J. Bolter and D. Grusin. Drawing on statistical data illustrating the role of books in the lives of Ukrainians, the author validates the assertion that books no longer occupy a central position in the leisure pursuits of contemporary individuals. However, it is intriguing to note that the majority of today's popular media actively engage in the process of remodeling books. Defined inherently as multimedia, contemporary audiovisual art is characterized by remediation, with video games chosen as the most technologically advanced exemplar within this genre. Notably, the analysis reveals a significant gap in previous research, specifically, the lack of attention to the nuanced connection between the characteristics of remediating books in the context of video games. A key revelation is that the frequency of remediating books through video games is contingent on the genre, with games prioritizing gameplay mechanics over plot exhibiting a lower propensity for book remediation. The form of remediation in such video games is conditional, primarily associated with the intricacies of the game interface. Conversely, in narrative-centric video games, remediation tends to involve a more direct interaction with the book. Expanding beyond the initial scope of inquiry, the study identifies and scrutinizes additional factors influencing remediation. The setting of the game and the player's perspective emerge as crucial variables, with book remediation more prevalent in video games set in fantasy archaic or modern environments compared to those set in fantastical realms. An equally significant factor, rivaling genre influence, is the player's perspective, notably observed in first-person games which exhibit a propensity to eschew hypermedia in their interaction with the game world — a tendency most pronounced in video games leveraging virtual reality technology.