Are video games an art form?

1. 0

   Stevennix2001posted 10 years ago

   Are video games an art form?
   
   Some people say that they do not qualify as art.  however, there have been a lot of games in recent years that have managed to tell very thought provoking stories.  However, is that enough for it to be deemed art?  people used to have the same debate about movies for the longest time too.  However, great movies like "Rashomon", "Seven Samurai", and etc have proven that movies are a work of art.  Sure, there's still the occasional crap like "Transformers" that make people argue otherwise.  But, it still doesn't negate the artistry of the other films that i've mentioned, but what do you think?

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2. 81

   Souther29posted 10 years ago

   Definitely. They are an entertainment medium primarily but of course you can view them as art - both physically and metaphorically.
   
   Heavy Rain, Heavenly Sword, Nier, Bioshock series, Catherine... many games that are not only gorgeous to look at but contain really powerful stories elevating the medium as a whole. For every zombie killing game, conversley there's one which helps exhibit thought provoking imagery or ideals.

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3. 60

   MickSposted 10 years ago

   The creativity in designing and composing a video game is undoubtedly an art form; however, being a couch potato playing the thing ain't.,

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4. 73

   EJ Lambertposted 10 years ago

   Absolutely they are.  Art, in its simplest form, is vastly different from person to person.  Video games are almost never the same from creator to creator.  They each have their own quirks, messages and styles that make them unique even when they are similar.  It doesn't take much to see how much heart and effort that person put into a game either.  That is the beauty of the whole entertainment industry.  It is all based on various forms of art.

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5. 73

   Vlorsutesposted 10 years ago

   For a time, movies weren't considered forms of art either, but look at the pedestal they're held on now. I feel that video games can be considered art, especially if that's how the creators want them to be. It's such a more detailed and malleable medium to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas than a film has, and I feel that if it's not generally accepted now it is one, then it soon will be.

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6. 85

   M. T. Dremerposted 10 years ago

   I wrote an entire hub about this subject, but the short answer is yes; video games are an art form. I think the only reason some people think they aren't is because they have a narrow view of what games are available. Mainstream audiences frequently associate video games with the pixelated Mario or hyper violent grand theft auto. The few games that have broken out of the gaming market into 'blue ocean' territory. Even those games have their own level of artistry, but a lot of people see them as simplistic or too graphic. If one were to put even a small amount of effort into researching gaming history, they would also come to the conclusion that they're an art form.

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7. 63

   MPChrisposted 10 years ago

   I like Vlorsutes answer. As, originally, movies were an art form. At some point, there was a school of thought that they were the premier artform, as they essentially combined all other artforms (writing, painting, fashion design, sound design, music, as well as photography of course).
   
   The modern day game budget is running close to the blockbust cost of production of a movie. More importantly, games incorporate all those myriad aspects (as mentioned above), but in addition, they are interactive, and involve the participant (some more so than others).

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8. 0

   Michelle Widmannposted 10 years ago

   I definitely consider video games an art form. When they first came out, they were simply games, but now that people spend so much time and energy creating stories that could win Oscars, and drawing entire worlds that could be on the walls of museums, I really do view video games as art. A lot of people don't realize how much goes into the making of a game, but there are certain games that are around right now that are simply mind blowing with emotional plot lines and amazingly detailed characters and visuals that really are stunning.

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9. 64

   TNT Huskyposted 10 years ago

   More so now than ever, video games are becoming an art form. In my opinion, Video games aren't just one art form, but the combination of many. the best games will have riveting soundtracks, seamless design, visuals with a long lasting impact, and story beyond competition. what makes it a true art form is seeing how well, or not so well, all of these elements blend in with the game. you will find games that are easily considered trash, or not art at all. Many flash games found online take that title. But you can find games that seam together to evoke wonder in gamers of all kinds. from old curiosities like super Metroid, which had the most subtle details setting the mood for the entire game without the player ever knowing it. to newer Marvels like Bioshock Infinite. Video games may not be wholly considered an art form today, but that won't last too much longer with this evolving media.

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10. 78

    JohnGreasyGamerposted 10 years ago

    Give me a game like Dishonoured, and I would say, "Yes, they are". Give me something like FIFA, and I would say, "Not on your nelly".
    
    I guess it depends on what the game is trying to achieve. You can have the most visually enhanced graphics in the world but in the end it might not be art if it has no meaning, purpose or story to tell. Dishonoured was described as a "painting in motion", and the scenes where you enter this void-like place, you see just how much work went into the animation, facial expressions, hand movements and placements, eye contact, hair flow, etc. Your game could look like Tomb Raider and yet have nothing to say, apart from "Duuuuuuuh".
    
    As Vlorsutes rightfully said, film was not considered art until many years later people would be making some of the most inspiring and eyecatching things ever seen by man.

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11. 69

    Paradise7posted 10 years ago

    I go along with the majority of the people answering this question: yes, video games are art.  They are created by creative people, ergo...they are art.
    
    That's the simplest definition of art, to me.  Does it take a creative person to make it?  Yes?  Then its art!  It's an expression of an individual's creativity.

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