Can a video game be a work of art? By Ana Artz

    Yes, I think that video games are within themselves a work of art. The story, the music, the background art, the characters, these are all separate works of art. Why can't they be art when put together? Or better to start with, what even is the definition of art? According to Britannica, the definition of art is “a mode of expression that uses skill or imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others” (Britannica). Video games fit into this description, yet the argument is still up to much debate with experts all around the world.

    Story is considered an art. When put into a category, story is considered a section of literature art, like a poem. Similar to other parts of a video game, the story engages players on a deep and emotional level. As players dive into the rich worlds, characters, and dilemmas presented in video games, they form a unique connection. Unlike other kinds of storytelling, games actively encourage the participation of the player, changing the games’ direction and outcome through their choices. Storytelling in a video game is kind of like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. It's still a book, but not the traditional kind.

    In video games music is performed to the gaming audience with the intention of captivating them, but not always as the main focus. As a performance art, music is meant to captivate the person. It doesn't matter if the game is about some clashing clans or if the game is about some scary nights at a pizza place. There is always some sort of music playing. In lots of cases, music is what makes the game recognizable or deemed “iconic”, such as the "Plants vs. Zombies" theme song. The music in "Plants vs. Zombies" is commonly identifiable in the casual gaming world because of the strong emotional bond it ties to the players. Now that, is a work of art.

      In video games, the background art is like a beautiful painting that makes the game world feel breathtaking. The difference between the game and real life is almost non-existent. It's not just a plain background, the game’s background can be fundamental to the storyline. Whether it's the amazing views in the big welcome screen or the tiny details in a scary house that appears once, the people who create these backgrounds are artists making art! The background art changes the entire feel of a game, imagine a spring meadow with creepy music and dialogue versus a spooky abandoned shack with creepy music and dialogue. The feeling of the game would be completely different if it weren't for the background.

    Many critics argue that video games are not art because they mainly focus on entertainment and interactivity rather than conveying a message or lesson. Unlike traditional forms of art like paintings, sculptures, or film, video games specialize on the gameplay mechanics and success of the game over artistic expression. Critics say that the main goal of games is to entertain and engage players with violence, instead of trying to spark deep emotions or thinking.  However, these critics are generally stereotyping video games. Take “Ori and the blind forest”, that game specifically concentrates on the visual elements. *Image 1* shows a minor background from the game. 

    Despite what critics are saying, not every game is simply a showcase of violence or competitiveness. They can be a work of art, each a unique product of the creator's imagination. Video games, such as any other art form, are thought out and carefully crafted. Like a book a troubled author spent hundreds of hours writing, a struggling artist who painted an award-winning painting, or a team of actors who are staring in a film, a video game is combination of art. 

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Works Cited: 

 Schulten, Katherine. “Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art?” The Learning Network, 25 June 2010, archive.nytimes.com/learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/25/can-a-video-game-be-a-work-of-art/.

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “The Arts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Feb. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/the-arts.

“Games as Art/Literature.” The Johns Hopkins Guide to Digital Media, by David Ciccoricco et al., 1st ed., Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014. Credo Reference, search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDYwNDAy. Accessed 8 Oct. 2023.

Stuart, Keith. “Are Video Games Art: The Debate That Shouldn’t Be.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 22 Feb. 2018, www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/dec/06/video-games-as-art.