<
https://theconversation.com/are-video-games-art-or-products-this-tension-lies-at-the-heart-of-australias-gaming-industry-275314>
"In 2004, a largely anonymous team of Australian video game developers released
a prototype video game titled
Escape from Woomera.
In this 3D adventure, the player takes on the role of Mustafa, an Iranian
refugee fleeing violent repression who is being held in a virtual re-creation
of the (now-shut) Woomera Immigration Reception and Processing Centre.
Mustafa is facing deportation back to Iran – which will mean almost certain
death. He and the player must escape.
Escape from Woomera was one of the first Australian video games ever to
receive government funding to support its development. In 2003, the creators
received a A$25,000 grant from the national arts body, the Australia Council
for the Arts (now Creative Australia).
The game itself, and the fact it was awarded public funding, were highly
controversial. They sparked conversations about what kind of art the government
should fund, and why. Should the goal be to nurture new artistic talent? Or to
preserve Australian-made content? Or build profitable industries?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
