Gaming’s Not Just for Kids: Comedian Phil Wang Defends Video Games as Art

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Once again this year, comedian and gaming enthusiast Phil Wang, aged 35, is presiding over the BAFTA Game Awards for the second consecutive time.

As a child, he yearned for a profession that would let him play video games, and now, once a year, for roughly a month, his dream comes true, as he shared with RT.

What first attracted you to gaming?

Growing up, I found myself often seeking escape, particularly because my hometown in Borneo, while stunningly beautiful and exotic, was rather mundane for me. Instead, I immersed myself in the vibrant, action-packed worlds of video games, where I could embody power, influence, and agility that I yearned for in real life.

Were you born in Stoke-on-Trent, grew up in Borneo, and later relocated to Bath during your teenage years? What place do you consider as feeling most like home?

Where do you get your sense of humour from?

In a playful manner, I frequently bantered with my two younger sisters who are quite humorous. We often enjoyed watching British comedies on satellite television, such as Blackadder and French and Saunders. I was an ardent admirer of Leslie Nielsen’s acting skills. In my own performances, I strive to mimic his style – he is undeniably the most exceptional comic actor in history.

When did you realise you wanted to pursue comedy full-time?

During my stay at a boarding school in Brunei, we frequently exchanged videos featuring Russell Peters, a stand-up comedian of Indian-Canadian descent who made jokes about diverse cultures. Being part of an international school, these performances resonated deeply with everyone. Seeing an individual of Asian ethnicity thrive in a Western setting as a successful stand-up was exhilarating and presented an intriguing challenge. Upon moving to the UK, I dabbled in comedy at my school and eventually continued at Cambridge University, where I continued pursuing this passion relentlessly. It became a captivating obsession that never waned.

At Cambridge, you served as the president of Footlights, the student comedy group. Can you share some insights you gained from this experience regarding humor and comedy?

It entails numerous emails and organizing schedules! At Cambridge, they always pushed us to try new things constantly. When comedians lose their humor, it’s often because they get stuck repeating tired material. I’ve been there too – it usually hits later in the creative process, but eventually, the jokes feel dull or unfunny. The most captivating aspect of comedy is performing a fresh idea and receiving big laughs.

What did you learn from your first time presenting the BAFTA Games Awards?

Awards shows for comedians offer a special challenge: you must be entertaining while also acknowledging the importance of the event. My team and I, who are all avid gamers, approach it by brainstorming universal gaming experiences. The audience wants humor, but they also crave recognition for their contributions to the massive video game industry. Unfortunately, the artistry and effort behind these games may not receive the same level of cultural appreciation as movies, television, or music.

Why do you think that is?

The antiquated belief that video games are merely frivolous and juvenile is slowly fading away. Instead, they are increasingly recognized for their creativity rather than being dismissed as a derivative cultural experience. This perspective, which once held sway, particularly among older generations, is becoming obsolete among my generation and those younger still. As with television when it was first introduced, there was concern that it would negatively impact people’s minds; however, over time, its value has been recognized and embraced.

What do you think about video games being turned into TV series and films?

The industry benefits greatly from it. TV shows appear to outshine movies since condensing lengthy narratives into just two hours is quite challenging. While “The Last of Us” was exceptional, it was adapted from a game that had an inherent feel of high-end drama. At their best, games offer a complete package – they’re artistic, dramatic, filled with music, and you engage with them in the most engaging way, by becoming part of the experience itself.

You’ve also been in films like Wonka and 3 Body Problem. Would you like to do more acting?

Oh, that’s exciting! I too have a minor role in an upcoming British romantic comedy. Acting is a whole new kind of endeavor compared to stand-up, and it’s made me admire the skills of a great actor even more. I’m absolutely smitten with Ryan Gosling; he’s truly outstanding. It’s amazing how he can be such a high-profile Hollywood star, yet remain so composed.

You sang and tap-danced in Wonka. Were those new skills?

Initially, my dream was to be a singer, but instead, I opted for stand-up comedy. The allure of stand-up lies in its lack of need for scales, which seemed more aligned with my laid-back lifestyle. However, tap dancing was a different story – it required considerable practice and training, even for a brief 30-second routine. When I saw the performance on the big screen, I couldn’t believe it was me! It looked so polished that I thought it might have been computer-generated.

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2025-04-08 06:38