Myst to be playable at the Smithsonian videogame exhibition
(crossposted for laziness from the Guild of Messengers)
As reported by most gaming sites, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is preparing an exhibition that intends to "explore the 40-year evolution of video games as an artistic medium, with a focus on striking visual effects, the creative use of new technologies, and the most influential artists and designers". It will be the first of its kind to appear in such a prestigious institution and may go great lengths to improve the status of videogames as a form of creative expression.
The museum is asking the public to elect the games that will be shown, arranging its nominations in an online poll (link below).
Myst is notably absent from the poll, that covers more than 200 games from the '70s to present day. Partly prompted by the Mysteriacs in their latest blog entry, many fans questioned the decision. A quick reply came from the organizers, stating that Myst is absent from the poll only because it is one of the few games that will skip qualifications and be shown no matter what. The other 'sure' games are currently unknown (their fanbases being less enthusiastic, apparently :p ).
Replying to my question as to whether the news could be shared with the community at large, curator Georgina answered:
"You may let people know that Myst will be included in the exhibition! It will actually be one of 5 playable games."
Voting will be open until April 7th, results will be made public in May, while the exhibition itself is slated for 2012.
...Colour me enthusiastic :D And don't forget to vote! I'm placing bets for the Chrono Trigger VS Zelda alttp showdown... and, against my own fandom, hoping that Okami will prevail against FFX, but I'm not holding my breath for that one... poor Okami.
(Is it just me, or does the inclusion of ET costitute a prime example of institutional trolling?)
Edit: don't forget to vote here, obviously. Silly me.