zkm_gameplay. the next level

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«.

Gaming as a social testing ground: Computer games can also convey political processes and contexts. Resolve differences of opinion on the »Democracy Machine« or test your stance in simulated ethical dilemmas on »Choo-Choose.«. We also showcase works from the Goethe-Institut's worldwide »Art Game Jam«.

Unlike large commercial games, art and indie games are created by small, independent development studios or individual designers and artists. These works often do not follow traditional game design principles. They experiment with new interfaces, explore unusual themes and narrative styles, and merge the real environment with the virtual game world. These games redefine the creative and artistic possibilities of the medium. 

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 one of the first art institutions worldwide to give video game culture a permanent public platform in an art context. Since then, the ZKM has repeatedly reshaped the presentation of games in a series of different exhibitions. The current permanent exhibition »zkm_gameplay. the next level« opened in 2018 and is continually evolving.