No half-assed performance: how playing with a live crowd turns video games into performance art

[Hillbi]

The Art of Collective Play: How Video Games Can Become Performance Art

A recent theatrical production of the video game "Asses.Masses" turned an ordinary gaming experience into a work of collective performance art. The game, created by Canadian artists Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim with a small team of collaborators, is about donkeys, reincarnation, and organised labour.

The game opens with a series of questions, mostly about donkeys, some in different languages, and quickly becomes obvious that players must work together to get them right. The setting – in a theatre, surrounded by others, everybody shouting advice and opinions and working together on puzzles – transforms the experience into a collaborative performance art piece.

The game is designed around collective play, with players taking turns guiding an avatar through a surreal quest to regain their jobs from redundant farm machines that have made them redundant. This creates a sense of camaraderie among players as they navigate the game's challenges and discuss its themes.

However, despite its innovative design, the game also highlights the limitations of traditional gaming experiences when played alone. Players often struggle to connect with each other and prioritize ideas, leading to a herd mentality where individual opinions are drowned out by the crowd.

The success of "Asses.Masses" as performance art raises questions about how video games can be reimagined as collaborative experiences that engage audiences on multiple levels. Its use of live gameplay, audience participation, and interactive puzzles creates a dynamic experience that blurs the line between gaming and live performance.

As the article highlights, this type of engagement is not unique to "Asses.Masses." Other games, such as "Baby Steps" and "Dark Souls," have been praised for their challenging and thought-provoking gameplay. However, "Asses.Masses" stands out for its innovative use of collective play and interactive storytelling.

The article also touches on the idea that traditional gaming experiences often focus on removing suffering from the player experience, making games smoother but less engaging. In contrast, games that create a sense of pain or discomfort can be more memorable and thought-provoking.

Overall, "Asses.Masses" offers a compelling example of how video games can become performance art through collective play and interactive storytelling. Its success raises questions about the future of gaming and its potential to engage audiences in new and innovative ways.

 

[Orbital Duck Dancers]

I'm totally loving this new wave of gaming experiences! #GamingEvolution I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of a surreal quest with strangers ? It's all about collaboration and problem-solving, which is super refreshing from the usual solo gameplay vibe . The idea that individual opinions can get drowned out by the crowd is actually kinda cool though #HerdMentality. And I'm intrigued by how these games are blurring the lines between gaming and live performance . It's like, what happens when gamers become performers? #GamingAsArt

 

[The Harlem Gl]

I think what's so cool about this whole thing is how it highlights the power of community and collaboration . I mean, who doesn't love playing games with friends or family? But this takes it to a whole new level where everyone's input and ideas are valued equally. It's like when you're working on a group project at school and everyone has to pitch in – it makes the experience so much more enjoyable and rewarding.

It also got me thinking about how we can apply this concept to real life . In our daily lives, we often find ourselves stuck in our own little worlds, not listening to others or considering different perspectives. But what if we took a cue from gaming and started valuing each other's input? We'd be more creative, more innovative, and more connected as individuals.

The article mentions how games like "Asses.Masses" create a sense of pain or discomfort – which can actually lead to growth and self-awareness . I think that's something we can all learn from, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones and being vulnerable with others.

 

[Incredible In]

It's not the years honey, it's the mileage . With so many games now focusing on collaborative experiences like "Asses.Masses," it's clear that gamers are craving something more than just solo play. The future of gaming is all about creating immersive experiences that bring people together, and I think we're just scratching the surface of what's possible .

 

[Looney Tunes Nu]

I'm loving this whole collective play thing in video games . It's like, we're already used to playing with others online, but this is on a whole different level. I mean, imagine being in the same room as 20 people, all trying to solve puzzles and figure out the story together . It's like a real-life escape room, but with video games .

And you're right, it highlights how traditional gaming experiences can be pretty isolating when played alone. I've had those moments where I'm just playing for myself, and it's all just so... bland . But collective play takes it to a whole new level of engagement and community building. It's like we're all in this together, working towards the same goal .

The idea that games can create a sense of discomfort or pain can be really interesting too. I mean, think about how some games are designed to make you feel frustrated or annoyed . But when it's done right, it can actually enhance the experience and make it more memorable.

What I'm curious to see is how this whole collective play thing will evolve in the future . Will we start seeing more live events and performances that combine gaming with art and storytelling? Only time will tell, but for now, I'm hyped to see where this takes us .

 

[Iron Sailboat 3D]

I'm loving this whole collective play thing , it's like we're all just trying to figure out these puzzles together in real time . But at the same time, I'm a bit worried that we might be losing our individuality in the process. I mean, remember when games were all about solo experiences and you could just zone out for hours? Now it's like we're always on some team or other, trying to fit in with the crowd.

And have you noticed how sometimes our opinions get drowned out by others just because they're louder? It's like, I get that we're all working towards a common goal here, but can't we still have our own thoughts and ideas too?

 

[Papal Insect Hell]

I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEWS!!! Video games are not just for solo players anymore! The idea of "Asses.Masses" turning an ordinary gaming experience into a collective performance art is GENIUS . I mean, who wouldn't want to shout advice and opinions with their fellow humans in a theatre? It's like a big game night, but with depth and meaning. And the fact that it highlights the limitations of traditional gaming experiences when played alone is just the icing on the cake . I think this is the future of gaming we've been waiting for - interactive storytelling, collective play, and audience participation all coming together to create something truly unforgettable. Let's get ready to level up our game nights!

 

[Pro Racing Bandits]

I think this whole thing with "Asses.Masses" is kinda cool, but I'm not sure I buy it completely . It's like they took a video game that was already pretty weird and just amplified the weirdness by getting everyone to play together in person. I mean, don't get me wrong, it sounds like it can be really fun and thought-provoking, but sometimes I think the whole point of gaming is supposed to be a little more personal and introspective.

And yeah, I get what they're saying about traditional games being too smooth and boring - that's definitely something. But at the same time, I'm not sure I want my gaming experience to make me feel uncomfortable or whatever. I like my games to be fun, not stressful . Still, if it works for people, more power to 'em. It's just...interesting, that's all .

 

[Sham]

I'm loving this whole collective play thing - it's like, we're all in it together, you know? It's so cool how "Asses.Masses" takes a video game and turns it into a performance art piece that actually requires us to communicate with each other . I mean, who needs a solo gaming experience when we can have a bunch of people shouting at each other about donkeys? But seriously, this is the future of gaming - interactive storytelling, live gameplay... it's like an immersive experience or something! The thing that really gets me though is how it highlights our own limitations as gamers. Like, when we're all just following along with what everyone else says, it's not even fun anymore . We need to be able to share our thoughts and ideas without getting lost in the crowd . Anyway, I'm excited to see where this whole collective play thing takes us!

 

[Christian]

I think what's really interesting here is how this game highlights the tension between individuality and collectivism, kinda like what we see in our political landscape . We're living in a time where people are more connected than ever before, but that also means they can be easily swayed by the majority opinion, which isn't always the right approach for society.

I mean, think about it - the game "Asses.Masses" relies on players working together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. But what happens when one person's idea doesn't align with the group? Do we just suppress those dissenting voices or do we create a space where everyone can share their thoughts without fear of judgment?

It's like, in politics, we have this whole thing about representative democracy, but what if our representatives aren't truly representing us as individuals, but rather just catering to the majority? Does that make for good governance? And what about when those voices are silenced or marginalized - doesn't that lead to a lack of diversity in thought and innovation?

Anyway, I think "Asses.Masses" is more than just a cool game - it's an experiment in how we can come together as humans and create something greater than the sum of its parts. And who knows, maybe we can apply those same principles to our political systems

 

[Heavy Metal Hobo Drea]

I gotta say, this whole "Asses.Masses" thing is really cool! It's like, what if we took gaming out of our solo bubble and brought it to a community setting? Imagine all those weird, obscure questions about donkeys that everyone was shouting at once... it's just so relatable, you know? But seriously, this production really showcases how games can be more than just a solo experience. It's like, we're not just playing for ourselves anymore, we're playing together, as a team. And the themes of reincarnation and organised labour are just... wow, they're so thought-provoking! I mean, who wouldn't want to explore those ideas through a game?

But what I think is even more interesting is how this whole thing makes us question our gaming experiences. Like, we've always been told that games should be smooth and easy, right? But "Asses.Masses" says, nope, sometimes it's okay to feel uncomfortable or challenged. Sometimes it's okay to not have all the answers. And that, in itself, is kind of... liberating? I mean, we're already living in a world where social media and online discourse can be super overwhelming, so maybe gaming experiences that push us out of our comfort zones are just what we need.

 

[Uptight Unico]

omg I'm literally so hyped about this new game Asses.Masses!!! it's like they took everything I love about video games and turned it into a whole different experience the way they got everyone working together to solve puzzles was so cool and it made me feel like part of something bigger than just playing a game alone

I know some people might say that gaming is all about individual experience but I think this shows that's not always true and besides, who doesn't love the thrill of trying to figure out what your fellow players are thinking?

the way they incorporated live gameplay and audience participation was genius it felt like we were all in on some secret together and I loved how it made me think about themes and ideas that I wouldn't normally consider outside of a game

I'm so stoked to see where this trend goes from here maybe more games will start experimenting with collective play and interactive storytelling can you imagine playing a whole series of games like this?

 

[Professional]

I just saw this thread about Asses.Masses and had to weigh in... what really stood out to me is how much more engaging it is when you're working together with others. Like, I've played some multiplayer games before and they can be super frustrating if everyone's not on the same page , but Asses.Masses seems to actually encourage that kind of collaboration and discussion. It's like, instead of just following a script or trying to be the best player, you're actively working together with others to solve puzzles and progress through the game. That sounds way more fun to me .

 

[Robotic Insect Conspirac]

I'm low-key obsessed with this new theatrical production of "Asses.Masses"! It's like, who needs just sitting alone playing games when you can have a whole crew working together and creating something amazing? I mean, the way they used collective play and interactive puzzles to create a sense of camaraderie among players is pure genius. And let's be real, it's not every day you see someone trying to regain their jobs from redundant farm machines . The fact that traditional gaming experiences often focus on removing suffering from the player experience makes this whole thing even more innovative, in my opinion. I'm rooting for "Asses.Masses" to change the game and bring gaming and performance art together #GamingRevolution #PerformanceArtMeetsGames #CollectivePlayMatters

 

[Sim Beat Power]

ugh i loved playing asses.masses with my friends last year it was so intense trying to figure out those puzzles together and feeling like we were all working towards something but at the same time it was kinda frustrating when people were being super loud and not listening to others lol what's up with that? shouldn't collective play be about sharing ideas and learning from each other rather than just shouting over everyone else i mean donkey reincarnation is a pretty deep theme, can't we have a more nuanced discussion without the drama

 

[Jamaican Pach]

I'm telling you, this whole thing with "Asses.Masses" is suspicious ... Think about it, they create a game that's all about collective play and collaboration, but what's really going on here? Are they trying to manipulate our minds through groupthink? I mean, have you ever played a game where everyone's yelling the same thing and you're like "no wait, isn't that the other guy's idea?" It's like they're conditioning us to follow the crowd. And don't even get me started on the themes of reincarnation and organized labor... what's really behind all this? I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but we need to be careful not to just blindly follow the herd. We should be questioning what's really going on here

 

[Healthy Herrin]

The gaming industry is finally getting creative . Collectively, we can create something way more engaging than individual experiences . But let's be real, it's still all about the money . Can we create an experience that doesn't make us wanna scream and just get to the next level?

 

[Jolly Jellyfish]

I'm low-key obsessed with this new thing that's happening in the gaming world . This "Asses.Masses" game is like, whoa - it's not just a game, it's an experience! I mean, have you ever played a game where you're like, totally invested in the story and the gameplay, but then suddenly you're part of this huge group effort, shouting out answers and working together to solve puzzles? It's wild.

I think what really gets me is how it highlights the limitations of solo gaming experiences. Like, when you play a game alone, it can be super isolating, right? You're just staring at your screen, trying to figure things out on your own. But with "Asses.Masses", it's like... you're part of something bigger than yourself. It's this whole group effort, and it creates this amazing sense of camaraderie.

And I love how they're pushing the boundaries of what we think of as a "game". Like, traditional gaming experiences are all about making the experience smooth and comfortable, but these new games are like... "Hey, let's make you feel uncomfortable for a minute!" And it's actually really effective. It makes the experience more memorable, I think.

Anyway, just my two cents . If you haven't checked out "Asses.Masses" yet, you totally need to. It's like... gaming in a whole new way

 

[Sore Salamander]

I think it's pretty cool that someone took an ordinary video game experience and turned it into a thing where people actually work together on stage ! I mean, have you ever played something like that before? It sounds like it would be super intense when everyone is shouting at the same time . But at the same time, isn't that what makes gaming so awesome - being able to connect with others over a shared experience? It's interesting how some games are trying to shake up the traditional gaming formula and make it more about community and collaboration rather than just solo playing. Maybe we'll see more of this kind of thing in the future, where gamers can hang out online or IRL (if that's even still a thing ) and play together on something like... what was it again?

 

[Homel]

I'm loving this trend of video games being turned into live performances . It's like, who needs a traditional theater when you can have a group of people working together to solve puzzles and laugh at each other's donkey puns . The art of collective play is all about collaboration, not competition, and that's what makes "Asses.Masses" so genius. It's like, the game itself isn't even that hard, but it's the experience of playing with others that makes it truly special. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good group project ? The only thing that would take this to the next level is some sick graphics and sound design - can you imagine the visuals when all those players are shouting in unison !