Are Video Games Art?
Video games are art.“Video games use images, actions, and player participation to tell stories and engage their audiences. In the same way as film, animation, and performance, they can be considered a compelling and influential form of narrative art,” claimed the Smithsonian Art Museum. Video games are a form of art because of their storytelling and graphic design.Video games may not be fully accepted as a main form of art, but they deserve to be accepted as one.
The story within a video game impacts the player by connecting with his/her emotions. An example of a well-known story or book that connects with the reader would be The Fault in Our Stars. Its story connects to the reader’s emotions. Video games also help share emotions with the story. Games that let the player pick their own choice like Life is Strange and Telltale’s Walking Dead series allows the player to decide how they want their story to be built. The player can choose the decisions that the character makes, so he/she feel emotionally attached to the game. Because the player can choose how the story is constructed, they feel connected to the characters. Since the player are in their shoes, the player can relate. Video games that allow the player to pick their story allow he or she to empathize with the main character.
Another reason why video games can be considered art is because of the game’s graphic design. Most of Picasso’s paintings create expression through their design and are considered of the highest quality. Much like Picasso, games like The Last of Us have a stunning visual design. The world inside the game and the many small details create a realistic setting that the player is immersed in. Video games can also be compared the art pieces. Pac-Man for example can be considered art because the creator can be considered like an artist and an art piece. Pablo Picasso’s art pieces are paintings while a video game creator’s art piece would be a video game. The comparison between the artist and the creator are similar.
CC Licence Vincent Van Dam, “Pac Man” via Flickr
Even though people say that video games are only entertainment, many have a deeper meaning conveyed in them. Many think that video games can only be entertainment. Many also think that video games are just playgrounds with interaction. However, Journey for example makes the player think about the meaning of life. In the game Journey the player starts knowing nothing about the main character. As the game progresses the player slowly learns more about the protagonist. The player then reaches the brink of death while dying on his terms. However, along the way he/she experience beautiful sights. The character accepts their death because they have figured out their definition of the meaning of life. An example of someone else’s meaning of life might be to explore the world. Many other games like Journey have a deeper meaning beyond entertainment.
“Video games are meaningful – not just as sociological or economic or cultural evidence, but in their own right, as cultural expressions worthy of scholarly attention.” said Steven E. Jones, author of The Meaning of Video Games.Video games can be considered art because of how compelling and influential they are. They successfully convey emotion through a story and present themselves in a graphically artistic manner. Video games might not be considered by all to be art, but in the future they can be accepted alongside other famous pieces.
The fact that you start by quoting the Smithsonian Art Museum made any argument that may have been in my mind null. As I read your post, I keep thinking that just because something evokes emotion, it doesn’t mean that it is art. However, the examples in my head were disqualified almost immediately because I was thinking, “An orange is not art, but the smell evokes strong emotions for me, and my cat is not art, but she brings about strong emotions.” Then, I realized that these things are not man-made. It made me wonder if everything that is created by humans’ creative application could be considered art – not just video games.
I think I’m still conflicted about this argument. I can appreciate the design of video games, and I believe there are certainly artistic elements. I also believe that art can be interactive. I agree with all of the statements that you made about player choice, realistic setting and involvement with the character. I’m not sure that those things convince me that video games are art. Much of what you talk about can be related user experience. Just because a user has choice, doesn’t mean that it is art. For example, I used my blender this morning. I had a choice of what speed to use. It is very pretty. I was in a realistic setting. It also makes me feel healthy because of the smoothie that I was making. The blender, however, is not art. (Although maybe another blog post would convince me that it is). At the same time, I do agree with your conclusion that video games are a form of graphic art. You had me from the first paragraph.
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Thank you for your comment. I didn’t really think of the quote that way, but now I understand the idea of how anything that evokes emotion is not exactly art. I also understand the concept of the blender. Your comment made me think deeper into the topic itself.
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This is a very good example of a well-crafted essay. You use logos very effectively by explaining stuff. 8/8
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Thanks for your comment. I wish your comment would have elaborated more on the specifics of the “well-crafted essay” and using logos effectively.
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ok
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I totally agree with you that video games are an art. I commend you on the different types of art presented in your argument. There is visual art that you explained and there is emotional art. Most people when they think of art they initially think about visual art. When you explained about emotional art that brings in a different perspective of art that most people wouldn’t even think about. Overall your argument was very intriguing and changed the way I thought about video games and art.
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Thank you for your comment. I agree that people only usually think of visual. When you play video games, it allows people see the emotional side. It does bring a different perspective to “art” in general.
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This may be easy to say because I agree with your stance wholeheartedly, but I enjoyed this essay. You touch on the points that gamers often enjoy in games; the visual, emotional, and free-will aspects. However, you miss one point that could improve your argument. A good game often requires the convalescence of music, drama, visual graphics, among others. If each of those are considered art forms, is a combination of these not art? Still, the variety of points you did describe were well-written and explained appropriately. Good work!
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Excellent post!
As a gamer I wholeheartedly agree with you that videogames are indeed art. I have enjoyed getting lost in the world of Halo or Destiny so much that I have expanded my enjoyment of the game through books on the the design art in the games. One suggestion might be to include hyperlinks to the games you mention. I’ve never played Journey, but after your description I’m interested to learn more. A hyperlink would allow me to engage more with your content.
Great work!
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