CultureSeptember 1, 2026

machinima

muh-SHIN-uh-muh

Definition

A form of digital filmmaking that uses real-time 3D graphics engines, typically from video games, to record cinematic scenes and narratives.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau created in the 1990s by combining the words 'machine' and 'cinema', reflecting the use of game machine software to generate film-like content.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe Cao Fei's 2007 film 'i.Mirror', which was created by recording her avatar's experiences inside the virtual world of the game 'Second Life'.

New Drone Gods: Cao Fei Follows the Tech to the Provinces

Read the full article ↗

Artforum

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