VietNamNet Bridge - Computer games are not only for entertainment, but also an art, which transport real-world references, meanings and ideologies and can therefore be political and social media, in a positive, educational or ensnaring, propagandistic manner. Featuring eighteen politically-ambitious computer games from the past twelve years, the touring interactive exhibition Games and Realities examines how computer games unfold their political potential. 


{keywords}
In 4 years from 2016 to 2019, the exhibition is presented by the Goethe-Institut in 49 cities around the world. In Vietnam, the event will take place from August 3 to 27 at Goethe Institut, 56-58 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi.

In these games, players experience the contingencies of political decision-making itself (Democracy III) and witness social injustices. 

The games address precarious labor conditions (Sunset), gender issues (Perfect Woman), the surveillance state (Touchtone), the consequences of armed conflicts (This War of Mine), the treatment of refugees (Escape from Woomera) and resistance against totalitarian systems (Yellow Umbrella). 

Adopting the characters of often-marginalized people such as a border official, housekeeper, drone pilot or war survivor, players experience limited possibilities and negative sanctions through both the character and the game play.

Games and Realities presents 18 playable games that cover a wide range of social and political topics. In addition to trying out the games, visitors can view an introductory film about the exhibition (twenty minutes) and mini-documentaries about the games. 

An accompanying exhibition catalog provides background information on these independent games and their unifying. 

This exhibition Games and Realities is presented by the Goethe-Institut in cooperation with the Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe (ZKM | Zentrum für Kunst und Medien in Karlsruhe).

Admission is free.

PV