zkm_gameplay. the next level

In the organizer's words:

Location: Atrium 1+2, 2nd floor

Discover the art of computer games: In zkm_gameplay. the next level, we present art and indie games that break new ground artistically and creatively. In five themed levels, you can find out more about the history of video games, new narrative styles in games and how games address political issues. You can play and try out over 50 games in the exhibition.

level 1: retro

The beginnings of video games: From arcade machines in amusement arcades to home consoles. Here we show you the origins, developments and milestones of the video game medium. Fight thrilling duels in Pong, accompany Mario on his first steps in "Donkey Kong" and hunt for points through the labyrinths in "Pacman".

level 2: new narratives

Unique narrative possibilities: In computer games, you shape the plot yourself, make decisions and become part of the story. Discover games that rethink storytelling - from the interactive text adventure "Choosatron" on a receipt to the surreal dream worlds of Bill Viola's "The Night Journey".

level 3: creative & aesthetic games

Extraordinary audiovisual presentations and surprising game design: try out unusual interfaces and let your environment merge with the virtual world. Here, for example, you can go exploring in the almost infinite universe of "No Man Sky".

level 4: political games

Gaming as a field of social experimentation: computer games can also convey political processes and backgrounds. Settle differences of opinion at the "Democracy Machine" or test your stance in simulated ethical dilemmas at "Choo-Choose". We will also be showing works from the Goethe-Institut's worldwide "Art Game Jam".

level 5: in the spotlight

Our bonus level: Discover games on a changing topic that moves the community. We are currently bringing you closer to the topic of accessibility in video games with "playABLE".

Art and indie games

In contrast to large commercial games, art and indie games are created by small, independent development studios or individual game designers and artists. These works often do not follow a classic and conservative game design. They experiment with new interfaces, present unusual themes and narratives or merge the real environment with the virtual game world. The creative and artistic possibilities of the computer game medium are explored anew here.

Video games at the ZKM

Computer games are the medium of our digital society. With the opening of the exhibition "The World of Games" in the fall of 1997, the ZKM was the first institution worldwide to provide a platform for the art of video games. Since then, computer games have been on display continuously in changing exhibitions. The current permanent exhibition "zkm_gameplay. the next level" has been running since 2018 and is constantly being developed further.

Price information:

Under 18: free admission