Lemmings, Grand Theft Auto, the ZX Spectrum … just some of the creations the city of Dundee has unleashed onto the world of video gaming.
And now bosses at the V&A are aiming to add another name to the list after commissioning their own game to complement an upcoming exhibition heralding the role of the industry in today’s society.
The development of Plaything will be featured in Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt, when it comes to the city on April 20.
The game, exploring character development and the idea of self, is the brainchild of filmaker Will Anderson and game designer Niall Tessier-Lavigne.
The pair met online through a mutual admiration for one another’s work, and recently started collaborating.
They are also joining forces with Kirsty Keatch and Keith Duncan on the sound design for the game.
Players will be invited to create their own characters, which will learn and grow, before fading away from the world they have built, leaving behind a looping film of memories.
Will said: “We want our game to be a kind, thoughtful and surprisingly emotional experience with a character you create, mixing generative art with character animation.
“We want everyone to have their very own Plaything, and maybe even have a moving experience with them.
“We both went to see the videogames exhibition at the V&A in London a few months ago and loved it, so to now be actually making a game in partnership with V&A Dundee is very exciting indeed.”
Niall said: “Plaything is about a joyous and meditative relationship between you and a lovely wee thing of your creation, learning to live alongside each other.
“I feel incredibly lucky to be getting this sort of support from V&A Dundee to make something new with a close friend. If we can make something that even just one person can hold close to their heart, I’d be really happy.
“The new exhibition is really special to me because it looks at important issues in games and really respects the people behind all the work.”
Niall and Will have secured funding from Creative Scotland to create a mobile version of Plaything after the online game is complete.
The V&A museum’s Russell Dornan said: “We hope to unpack the process of game design. In the run-up to and during the exhibition, we’ll share behind the scenes glimpses, inviting people to come on the journey with us.
“We want people to be part of the project too and will have some exciting opportunities where the public can playtest the game at the museum, letting their experience shape the game itself.”
