I think we can all agree that video games have become uncanny in their depiction of reality. When I was eight years old, Hard Drivin' for Sega Genesis was the cutting edge in 16-bit graphics, which at the time were pretty astounding. Today, it's a hilarious (and, I'll admit, nostalgic) mix of crude geometric shapes and sound effects that resemble an underwater vacuum cleaner. How times have changed. Modern racing games allow for realistic driving physics, cars that are nearly indistinguishable from their real-life counterparts, and endless customization of the gameplay experience. A growing trend in racing games - most notably, the Forza Motorsport and Need for Speed franchises - is the inclusion of a "Photo Mode" that allows players to capture photographs of their treasured virtual rides in full resolution and with largely similar controls that are found in cameras.
Photo by Forza 4 user EvoMunk
Since these games are principally about the driving and racing experience, the photo modes in these games were, at first, just a minor inclusion that the developers thought would be fun. Move ahead a few years, and these modes have taken the role of a world within a world. Players can snap photos with a wide array of controls, at any time, either during a race or on a staged background, as you would find in a real-world automotive photoshoot. In case the magic photo-op was missed by a few seconds, the action in most games can be rewound, fast-forwarded, and slow-mo'd until the exact moment for the perfect photo can be reached. Players can adjust angle, zoom, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and can often tweak colors to their heart's content; it's as if an entire trailer of high-end photo gear and editing software is at the touch of a button on the controller.
Photo by Forza 4 user ionized_MOJO
All of these extra controls have turned photo modes into a must-have for any racing game worth it's salt. What was once a quirky, interesting sideline option for automotive video games now has its own cult following. Monthly contests are held on various racing websites for the best in-game photo, oftentimes for tangible rewards from the website or even the game's publishers. Photos can be shared across many social media platforms and have effectively become an extension of the gamer's creative outlet; those who have an eye for photography in reality often create unique images featuring the cars in the game.
Photo by Forza Horizon user HundredYardHero
Undoubtedly a topic of discussion is whether or not this genuinely qualifies as "photography". Obviously, players aren't actually setting up lights or changing lenses in the game; rather, what they're seeing is a constantly-paused "live view", of sorts, tweaking the image on their screen until it's visually pleasing. In a sense, anyone can do it; but that's where it begins to resemble reality, in that the best photos are often taken by those who have a naturally talented eye for imaging. In essence, photographic skill is easily transferred into the video game medium. Having an understanding of composition and light, and countless locations and vehicles at one's virtual disposal, these video games often present a fun challenge for photographers given the vastness of the photo opportunities they present. In many of these games, there really isn't an "auto" button. All of the creative decisions come down to the person holding the controller, and it shows when that person knows what they're doing with an image.
Photo by Forza 4 and Flickr user orcusvf
Your thoughts? Can we truly call this exercise "photography"? Or is this just another way to play video games?
Tim Kauger is a blogger and photographer based in Short Hills, NJ. You can visit his website here.