I have noticed that there has been a lot of heated discussion lately as to whether or not video games should be accepted as a form of art. Many critics are claiming that the creation of video games should not be considered an art, as they believe that writing code for a video game does not involve creativity and such. So, in light of this heated discussion, I have taken it upon myself to research and break down the topic, so that you may decide yourself as to whether they should be considered art or not.
Most people would think of art as being a painting or a sculpture, but why? To me, art work is about expressing oneself. It is about creating something which you are passionate about, so that others may enjoy it. For example, paintings are made so that others may admire them and perhaps discover what the artist intended to portray in their art.
In recent history, people have begun accept other forms of art, such as movies or recorded music. A movie is created as a form of entertainment, but it is also a depiction of the director or story writers imagination or opinion. How is this any different to a video game, where a director or story writer comes up with an idea and then expresses that idea through the use of audio and visual graphics? The only difference that I can see, is the way in which the artwork is experienced and interacted with.
Artwork is experienced through your senses. For example, a painting is experienced through your sense of sight. A movie is experienced through sight and sound. A video game however, is experienced through sight, sound AND touch, with the added level of being able to interact with the images and sounds in order to experience them differently. In my opinion, this could be described as walking through a virtual art show room, with many different forms of art, all created by different people (the many people who work together to create the video game).
Think about it, a video game is technically several forms of artwork, all condensed into one interactive package. A video game is made up of visual and audio art which tells a story to the person playing. It can invoke strong emotions through the use of a story line, as well as meaningful images and sounds.
Below are some beautiful images from a few of my favourite games:
Fable 2
Oblivion
Halo Reach
In conclusion, it is my opinion that the creation of video games can and should be classed as an art. Playing games is a hobby of mine, and I am very passionate about it. New technology in gaming constantly amazes me with innovative interactivity, stunning graphics and amazing sound effects.
Thanks for reading. What are your opinions on this matter? Do you think Video Games should be classed as artwork? Let us know in the comments section below!
Resources:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/art – The definition of Art
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/04/video_games_can_never_be_art.html – Related article
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/culturelab/2010/09/can-video-games-be-art.html – Related article
I agree mate. So much work is put into creating video games, on so many different levels its not funny. I think it should definitely be considered art work. People who think otherwise are just ignorant
Great article
I think there are three types and purposes of games; Art, Entertainment and eSports. Obviously many games have a mix of these traits but usually one will be the main goal.
A good example is StarCraft 2, this game was designed with the intention of being an eSport and that is its primary function. Sure there are elements of artistry in the games story and design but this is not its goal.
A game like Amnesia is art, it is designed for the experience and although it entertains it does this through atmosphere, story and artistic design.
For anyone to claim that games are ONLY entertainment is wrong.
Absolutely ZiggyD
Thanks for the comment.
I think that video games are a form of art. why arn’t they? they now have beautiful envirnments and characters. thye peopel that make them are very prod of what they do and they should! Me may shelf and I am thinking of becomeing a art designer for video games i don’t carry what company as long as I get to do what i love play video games and have fun doing it. LONG LIVE GAMERS!!
Agreed Cody! Video games are several forms of art all combined together.. how could someone say that isn’t an art form in itself? Or at least acknowledge that a heap of art work was put in to come up with the final products.