Are Video Games Art?

Introduction

Are video games art? A question that has sparked extensive debate among critics, scholars, and enthusiasts. While some argue that video games are just a form of entertainment, others say they incorporate artistic elements similar to traditional art forms. This paper explores the argument that video games can be considered art, drawing on insights from three key sources: several interviews from the Washington Post, a Forbes piece advocating for video games as high art, and an exhibit shown at the Smithsonian American Art Museum about the topic at hand. Three different perspectives on a very controversial topic.

Artistic Elements

Video games are a unique medium that combines multiple artistic disciplines, including visual art, storytelling, and music. The visual design of video games is a key aspect of their identity. As noted by experts in the Washington Post, video games use color palettes, character design, and environmental art to create visually stunning experiences (Moore). For instance, The game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild features breathtaking landscapes and a minimalist aesthetic that resonates emotionally with players. The careful craftsmanship involved in creating these games reflects a commitment to artistic integrity, challenging the idea that video games lack artistic qualities.

According to interviews from The Washington Post, games like No Man’s Sky and Concrete Genie exemplify how artistic vision shapes gameplay experiences. No Man’s Sky features strategically generated worlds that evoke a sense of wonder and exploration much like traditional art, while Concrete Genie utilizes painting mechanics to convey themes of creativity and emotional healing (Moore). This mixture of artistic elements allows game makers to create immersive experiences that captivate players on both emotional and intellectual levels.

The emotional engagement that video games foster further supports their classification as art. Unlike traditional art forms, which often rely on interpretation and observation, video games require active participation, resulting in unique, personal experiences (Deardorff). In Forbes, Nathan Deardorff argues that the interactivity present in video games allows players to form personal connections with narratives and characters. This kind of engagement can evoke emotional responses, transforming players from observers into active participants in a narrative. The ability of games to inflict emotions similar to those experienced in literature or film reinforces the idea that they do possess artistic elements.

An often overlooked part of video games, the auditory experience in video games also enhances their artistic value. Music and sound design contribute significantly to a game’s atmosphere and emotional weight. Iconic scores from games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Last of Us, two of my top favorite games, enrich the player's connection to the game world. Just as a film's soundtrack enhances emotional moments, the integration of sound in video games supports their artistic qualities.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 

Storytelling and Active Participation

One of the most important aspects of video games is their storytelling. In the Smithsonian Magazine author Abigail Tucker states during an interview with museum curator Chris Melissinos,“video games may be the most immersive medium of all, in Melissinos’ estimation. “In books, everything is laid before you,” he says. “There is nothing left for you to discover. Video games are the only forms of artistic expression that allow the authoritative voice of the author to remain true while allowing the observer to explore and experiment.” (Tuker) This argues that the narrative depth found in video games rivals that of literature and film. Games such as The Last of Us and Journey provide rich, complex narratives that explore themes of loss, redemption, and the human experience. These narratives are not just an accompaniment to gameplay; they are intricately woven into the fabric of the game, affecting player choices and experiences.

Video games offer a level of player involvement that is unparalleled in other artistic mediums. Players make choices that impact storylines, leading to multiple possible endings and varied emotional outcomes. This active participation adds layers of meaning and engagement, positioning video games as a unique form of storytelling that blends art with play. The ability to influence a narrative invites players to reflect on their choices, deepening their experience and making the game even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

The perception of video games as art has evolved significantly. As mentioned in the Smithsonian Magazine, In 2012 “The Art of Video Games,” was shown featuring an exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, celebrating 40 years of video games, from Pac-Man to Minecraft. This show included video game screenshots, videotaped interviews with game designers, and vintage consoles. The Smithsonian is just one of many institutions that have recognized video games as a part of the cultural landscape, featuring them alongside traditional art forms. This acknowledgment signifies a broader acceptance of video games as legitimate artistic mediums, paving the way for further exploration of their artistic contributions.

The argument that video games can be considered art is supported by their combination of emotional engagement, narrative depth, visual aesthetics, and social critique. Insights from The Washington Post, Forbes, and the Smithsonian Magazine illustrate that video games possess unique qualities to level up to the status of art. As perceptions evolve and recognition from institutions increases, it is clear that video games have established themselves as a significant form of artistic expression. This evolution promises to further enrich our culture, offering innovative, immersive experiences that resonate with audiences in ways that traditional art forms could not do before

Works Cited

Deardorff, Nathan. “An Argument That Video Games Are, Indeed, High Art.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/berlinschoolofcreativeleadership/2015/10/13/an-argu ment-that-video-games-are-indeed-high-art/.

Melissinos, Chris. “The Art of Video Games.” Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2012, americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/games. 

Moore, Joe. “Are Video Games Art? The Makers of Dreams, No Man’s Sky and Concrete Genie Weigh in - Washington Post.” The Washington Post, 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/video-games/are-video-games-artmakers-of-dreams-no-mans-sky-and-concrete-genie/. 

Tucker, Abigail. “The Art of Video Games.” Smithsonian.Com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Mar. 2012, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-art-of-video-games-101131359/