'Unrealart'. A New Medium for Artistic Expression Using a Commercial Game Engine: Galleries and Installations

In this paper, we explore the use of a commercial computer game-engine “Unreal Tournament 2004” (UT2004) to produce “Immersive Environments” (IEs) which provide the digital artist with a new mode of expression, to engage with the viewing public as individuals or in collaboration. We explore two modalities of Art, the ‘gallery’ and the ‘installation’. Through a reflection on various twentieth-century abstract artists, we indicate how this technology may be engaged to more fully realize their philosophies and projects. Finally, we suggest how this technology may lead to new forms of artistic expression in our contemporary digital world.

The Development of Educational Materials for the Study of Architecture using Computer Game Technology

Computer game technology provides us with the tools to create web-based educational materials for autonomous and collaborative learning. At Worcester, we have researched the use of this technology in various educational contexts. This paper reports one such study; the use of the commercial game engine “Unreal Tournament 2004” (UT2004) to produce materials suitable for education of Architects. We map the concepts and principles of Architectural Design onto the affordances (development tools) provided by UT2004, leading to a systematic procedure for the realization of buildings and urban environments using this game engine. A theory for the production of web-based learning materials which supports both autonomous and collaborative learning is developed. A heuristic evaluation of our materials, used with second-year students is presented. Associated web-pages provide on-line materials for delegates.