Décor in Video Games: Illusion, Narrative, and the Genius Loci

This essay from artpress2 examines the role of décor in video games, arguing that it is not merely a backdrop but a core narrative and experiential element. The author traces the lineage of video game environments through art history, from Romantic painting and picturesque gardens to Baroque spectacle and modern special effects. Key references include the concept of 'genius loci' (spirit of place), the scripted spaces of Norman Klein, and the abstract stage theories of Oskar Schlemmer. The essay discusses how games like Portal 2, Myst, and Shadow of the Colossus use décor to generate narrative, while open-world games employ invisible boundaries reminiscent of Capability Brown's 'ha-ha' ditches. The text also explores the tension between realistic and abstract décor, citing Rez as an example of the latter. Ultimately, the essay positions video games as a contemporary laboratory for spatial behavior and environmental mediation.