Are video games works of art? It’s a question that has become increasingly common as technology has allowed video game developers to push the envelope regarding graphics and design. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get varying answers. However, one thing is sure; video games can no longer be left out of the art conversation.
If you’ve played video games in recent years, you know how realistic they’ve become.
In video games, you’ll find romance and watch your characters form bonds that may rival your real-life friendships. The environments often look like something out of the movies, whether you’re standing atop a hill overlooking the sea or playing a musical instrument before being transported to a far-off land.
In this article, we explore the concept of video games as an art form.
What Makes Something Art?
Before we can answer whether video games are art or not, we have to settle on a definition of art. A quick Google search returns several definitions of art. One definition says that art is a manifestation of the human imagination and creative skill typically represented in visual forms like paintings and sculptures.
According to this definition, we primarily appreciate art for its beauty or emotional power. The description continues by saying that are encompasses history, literature, and languages.
Given the many interpretations of what constitutes art, it’s hardly surprising that there’s a debate about whether video games fit into the category of art.
Online Casino Games
Art is probably the last thing on your mind when playing games in an online casino. However, if you study the graphics closely, you may notice that some of your favorite games have an artistic element.
Slots are some of the most popular games at social casinos like Chumba Casino, and besides being a lot of fun, video slots are often graphically intensive games. If you think about it, software development teams have used artistic creativity to make themed slots like Quest West, Stallion Grand, and Dancing Gold.
Every time you spin a slot in an online casino, you’re looking at the work of a game artist. While they may not be considered art in the conventional sense, these entertaining games are a form of art.
Bioshock
This beautiful game is one of the best arguments in favor of video games being considered an art form. As you travel to the underwater city of Rapture at the game’s outset, don’t be surprised if your jaw drops as you take in the visuals surrounding you.
That’s not all; the game’s narrative takes it to the next level of artistry. You’re forced to make decisions about what is right and wrong as you go to battle in the game. You won’t find many games that delve into morality and the human conscience like this.
Once you start playing, it’s hard to put it down; the game pushes every limit, making it hard to say that it’s anything but art.
Shadow of the Colossus
The goal of this game is simple: kill the Colossi all around you. Unlike the other games that made our list, this game doesn’t have towns to explore or lots of colors to make an argument for it being art. Instead, this game is all about the journey. The game forces you to experience almost every human emotion while tugging at your heartstrings.
The artistry of this game comes from the experience, the music, and the style. If you own a PS4, it’s worth checking out the remastered version of this masterpiece to understand firsthand what makes it a work of art.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The backdrop to the latest game in the Zelda series is nothing short of breathtaking. As Link looks out over Hyrule for the first time after emerging from the Shrine of Ressurection, it’s hard not to feel the emotion and beauty of the game. The entire game is a work of art, and while the game isn’t perfect, the attention to detail that went into creating it will leave you in awe.