Gaming as Literature

There is a heavy divide between people about gaming, some see it as art others refuse to accept that. It seems that more and more gaming is making the transition from casual after school arcade shooters, to more recognized narratives and displays of art. Games like Mirrors Edge offer truly beautiful environments to run around and explore, while Metro 2033 or Bastion offer more interesting narratives woven throughout the game. I think the biggest problem of gaming narratives is how to deal with the player, people play games differently some meander all over looking at everything while others may burn straight to the end. Creating pacing without obstructing or limiting the player can create a lot of challenges. I think that games like Heavy Run run in the direction of being too limiting where the game becomes more like a choose your own adventure book and games like The Elder Scrolls go in the other direction in being too free.