123

Why Video Games Are Art

Linkin Park Fan | 26 days 5 hours ago | Blog | PC Playstation 2 Misc 
I think We all have heard so many people question if video games are good for society. Well how about we look at it in a different perspective, not if video games are bad, but if they are an art form. A PSU Editorial written explaining why video games are art. And we all can agree, there is that one game for us, that is truly a master piece.
What is art? It’s a fairly straightforward question, yet it encompasses a limitless amount of correct answers. Art is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as the conscious use of skill and creative imagination, especially in the production of aesthetic objects. What happens then, when the physical aspect is removed?

The other day, I asked my friend’s father, one of the most level-headed people I know, if he considered film to be a form of art. I was hit with a rapid response confirming that yes; film is indeed an art form. I proceeded to ask him the same question regarding videogames. I was greeted with a jovial laugh, followed by a peculiar stare once he realized that I was being serious. He then pointed out that a videogame can’t be compared to the likes of a beautiful sonata or a heart-wrenching movie. I asked, “Why not?” He adopted an irresolute manner and pronounced that they "just aren’t in the same league."

He was right. Videogames are not in the same league as music or film. Quite frankly, that wouldn’t be possible, as the two are in completely different categories to begin with. This fact doesn’t imply that one isn’t an art form. One came to be after the other was already established, thus there are disparities between the two. Another medium has now established itself within our society and grows tremendously in popularity with each passing day. We must once again modernize our views, as videogames are a new, interactive art form.

News Story attached to:
20 comments | go to source (www.psu.com) | send to friend | add alt source
Images about this story:
why_video_games_are_art why_video_games_are_art
why_video_games_are_art why_video_games_are_art
Related Articles
146 Top 10 Video Games of All Time (11)comments May 9, 2008
70 Give your mom video games for Mother's Day (9)comments May 12, 2008
224 Top 20 Worst Video Games of All Time (8)comments May 1, 2008
174 Video Games saving lives now? (23)comments April 16, 2008
83 Video games more effective than medications (6)comments March 17, 2008
Register as a member to subscribe comments.

Comments with -5 or lower "thumbs" are removed from display.

  • 0 thumbs!
    Linkin Park Fan | 26 days 4 hours ago
    People need to start recognizing Games as art. Just look at shadow of the colossus, has Master Piece written all over it.
    • 0 thumbs!
      chautemoc | 25 days 18 hours ago
      Agreed, the game is beautiful.
  • 0 thumbs!
    doylie | 26 days 3 hours ago
    You should of got some clips from uncharted, now THAT is art.
  • 0 thumbs!
    black doom | 26 days 2 hours ago
    Video games are not only an art, but playing many of them is as well.
    • 0 thumbs!
      chautemoc | 25 days 18 hours ago
      More a skill than an art..
      • 0 thumbs!
        black doom | 25 days 14 hours ago
        In my opinion that depends on the game and how you play it.
  • 1 thumbs!
    The Primagen | 26 days ago
    Why videogames are art.

    What is Okami?
  • 0 thumbs!
    The Primagen | 26 days ago
    Why videogames are art.

    Okami?
  • 2 thumbs!
    BANDITO ATTACK | 25 days 23 hours ago
    visuals, audio, and writing are all art forms. video games are all three, only interactive.

    still, take into consideration that it takes a certain something to go from being an artist, to being a GOOD artist.
    • 0 thumbs!
      chautemoc | 25 days 18 hours ago
      Hehe, looking below, it appears we are on the same page (literally and metaphorically ).
  • 0 thumbs!
    tallteen86 | 25 days 21 hours ago
    @Primagen - Indeed, Okami is probably the best example of visual art in games. I haven't even played the game (I know, I'm bad, I am going to wait until I eventually get the Wii, to get the Wii version, the system it is meant for)....

    Yep, art isn't just visual, but auditory. Scent too. Basically, anything that is designed to stimulate any of the senses in a unique way could be classified as art.

    Games are still consided 'kids stuff' or worse 'violent psychopath stuff', by many it seems >_> They just write it off. Well, people used to write off books and movies. So the day videogames get mainstream acceptance by the vast majority, is coming, I'm sure....
    • 0 thumbs!
      Final Blade | 25 days 20 hours ago
      I disagree, i think God of War is a perfect example of Art moreso to Okami.
    • 0 thumbs!
      chautemoc | 25 days 18 hours ago
      Bertrand Russell once said: "Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric."

      Society's view will change on this eventually.
  • 0 thumbs!
    chautemoc | 25 days 18 hours ago
    quote
    He was right. Videogames are not in the same league as music or film. Quite frankly, that wouldn’t be possible, as the two are in completely different categories to begin with.
    Disagreed completely, especially since video games have cinematics (where did that term derive from again?) and music in them. Both are part of the whole experience. I would say that potentially, video games are the greatest art form, because they combine elements from each form and add interactivity to it.
  • 0 thumbs!
    J Bro | 25 days 18 hours ago
    Hmm, I guess I could say video games are art. After all, a lot of things that people call art are in video games. Movies/scenes, visuals, sound, all that is in video games. The only reason it is not totally accepted as art in this society is because most of society view it as a "kids thing". Even though some games are Rated M. Psh.
    • 0 thumbs!
      chautemoc | 25 days 17 hours ago
      People tend to see things they dont understand in extremes..so video games are either excessive and cause violence or it's silly kids stuff.
  • 0 thumbs!
    StarJet | 25 days 16 hours ago
    Video games = Best kind of art that ever existed.
    It's the best kinda mainly because it is interactive. The fun factor is greater.
    Why don't people understand this?
    • 0 thumbs!
      chautemoc | 25 days 15 hours ago
      Artists/critics take art too seriously, probably.
      Art can be fun!
  • 1 thumbs!
    The Primagen | 25 days 13 hours ago
    Another major artistic game is Rez, anybody who has played it knows why.
    • 0 thumbs!
      Linkin Park Fan | 25 days ago
      Ahh Yes, I forgot about REZ. Thats up there with the most artistic games.

This news story is archived and is closed to comments now.

Submit Newshelp

Top Contributors

This Month
chautemoc 1073 pts
Silver Mir.. 902 pts
Andrew5 878 pts
xsynergyx 828 pts
Gothic Girl 749 pts
Linkin Par.. 732 pts
StarJet 628 pts
theunderta.. 574 pts
Final Blade 443 pts
Krunal 370 pts
All-Time
Krunal 10015 pts
Gothic Girl 9606 pts
Linkin Par.. 8687 pts
mistermostyn 7868 pts
Final Blade 7463 pts
xsynergyx 7034 pts
ITANI 6347 pts
Silver Mir.. 5638 pts
Storm 5210 pts
tidus04 5174 pts

Stats

Today
Published News: 16
Comments: 92
Points Given: 289
Users Registered: 2
This Month
Published News: 441
Comments: 3021
Points Given: 8479
Users Registered: 25
All Time
Published News: 8208
Comments: 55212
Points Given: 129645
Users Registered: 352

Conventions / Trade Shows

(0.4892/d/www.gamegrep.com)