O grito de vanguarda no videogame: intertextualidades entre Árida e Deus e o diabo na terra do sol

Abstract

This research starts from the challenge proposed by Walter Benjamin to carry out cultural productions that reconcile a useful political position for the proletariat in the class warfare and, at the same time, be correct from an aesthetic point of view. The application of this dilemma is made to the current scenario in which video games stand out as significant cultural products and exert influence on society. The study analyzes the Brazilian game Árida: backland’s awakening (2019) as an example of engaged production that addresses class issues. The critical analysis of the game in relation to the Eurocentric representation is made from the perspective of postcolonial studies and enriched through a comparative reading with the film Deus e o diabo na terra do sol, 1964, by Glauber Rocha. Taking into account that vídeo games were born inserted in a colonialist structure of creation, distribution and consumption, this research shows that the Brazilian game manages to efficiently communicate to the public an engaged political position and guide an anti-system discussion, at the same time in which is aesthetically correct as proposed by the philosopher. The investigation also discusses the relationship between cinema and video games, exploring the possibility of games being used as pedagogical tools of resistance. In addition, issues related to the hegemonic discourse of the capitalist industry and the relationship with colonialism are addressed, both in cinema and in games.