Two Books Explore the Intersection of Video Games and Conceptual Art

Two recent publications examine how video games can function as philosophical and political tools, drawing parallels to conceptual art and institutional critique. In "Il videogioco del mondo. Istruzioni per l'uso" (Timeo, 2024), philosopher and game designer Stefano Gualeni argues that virtual worlds enable experiential philosophy, referencing Sol LeWitt's definition of conceptual art from his 1967 Artforum essay. Gualeni discusses "proceduralism," a term coined by Ian Bogost for games like Jason Rohrer's "Passage" (2007) that convey meaning through mechanics. He also highlights his own co-developed game "Doors (the game)" (2021) as an example of self-reflexive game design. Meanwhile, Marijam Did's "Everything to Play For: How Videogames Are Changing the World" (Verso, 2024) takes an explicitly political stance, calling for leftist engagement with the video game industry. Did explores institutional critique in contemporary art, noting that while many games are self-referential, few challenge the industry's structures. She argues that game creators must critically examine the platforms and distribution systems that host their work to push cultural boundaries. Both books were published in 2024.