Virtual vistas : exploring the art of in-game photography presence on social media

Abstract: This thesis delves into the emerging field of virtual photography, an artistic form seamlessly integrated into the digital landscapes of video games. Investigating the intricate relationship between the virtual and the tangible, the study meticulously analyzes in-game photographs to unveil the subtleties often overlooked, decoding implied meanings. These visuals are meticulously crafted within the game's interactive canvas, while tools including photo mode and editing software offer creative freedom and subjective viewpoints. Virtual photographers act as intermediaries between the abstract and the concrete, as demonstrated by enlightening case studies of interviewed artists. Across diverse virtual photography genres, the thesis probes the phenomenon of spectacularization, capturing moments that blur the line between reality and imagination in the context of a posthuman condition marked by cycles of renewal. Furthermore, the research delves into the impact of social media on virtual photographers' identity and authorship. Merging virtual reality with daily life, the cyber realm becomes a platform for artistic expression. Incorporating hashtags and online platforms in posted photographs weaves a hypertextual network, amplifying the reach of digital artworks and nurturing a sense of authorship within a global community. This study redefines artistic expression in a space where pixels and boundless creativity converge, ushering in a fresh era of visual dialogue.