The Baroque in Games

Abstract

This thesis presents a case study for the remediation of baroque painting by some contemporary video games. Video games such as Horizon Zero Dawn borrow illusionistic techniques, the motif of the labyrinth, and the use of the total work of art as presented in certain baroque paintings. These characteristics are modified and represented within the new medium in an effort to heighten immediacy and create an immersive experience for the audience. This thesis discusses the process of remediation in detail and then analyzes how video games—and Horizon Zero Dawn in particular—remediate illusionistic techniques like linear and atmospheric perspective. Then, the analysis focuses on the remediation of the baroque labyrinth. Finally, the thesis analyzes the total work of art present in this case study of baroque painting and video games and how the former media improved upon the latter. Within the context of this case study, this thesis finds that certain video games borrow illusionistic techniques, the labyrinth motif, and the total work of art from baroque painting and repurpose these aspects in the new medium.