As long as there have been video games, there have been arguments as to whether they deserve to be in the same artistic categories as other mediums in the entertainment industry. After winning a prize at the Australian film festival, indie game Everything has made a case for video games in that argument, as it became the first video game to ever qualify for the Oscar’s longlist.
Released on the PS4 in March of 2017, and PC a month after, the indie game started gaining attention on PSN and Steam for its unique philosophy and storytelling. The goal of Everything is really just to play around and experience the wonders of our world, controlling everything that has ever been created, down to a sub-atomic level.
“The philosophy of Everything is both serious and funny, silly and sincere, rational and absurd. It contradicts and criticizes itself,” the game’s website states. “It doesn’t follow any existing school or canon and isn’t advocating for any particular way of thinking. Everything’s philosophy is designed to be experienced in all of its parts, and above all to be playful, entertaining and helpful.”
It’s this philosophy and Everythings trailer that merited the Vienna Shorts Festival to award the indie game The Jury Prize for animation. The qualifications for earning the award detail that the winner serves a highly educational purpose that includes a political statement.
While the longlist by know means even guarantees that Everything will even make it to the shortlist for Best Animated Short Film is possible, it’s still a huge accomplishment. There’s a lot of time between now and the Oscars though, as the 90th anniversary of the award show will take place March 4, 2018.
Do you think Everything will be in it? Let alone win it? Be sure to check back to the site for frequent updates as well as all of your other Nerdy News and Needs!
