Are video games art? Let us first look at the basic elements of other forms which are called "art." First, let us agree that most forms of art are known because they provide a compelling story (at least those pieces which are most memorable and define and give the meaning to that particular form of art). Whether it is through a picture, which undoubtedly tells the story of its painter and its own personal story, or through words, which are the very epitome of a compelling stories, or through music, or a combination of all of them, there is always a grappling story behind what we call art.
Do video games have this? I would argue that they do. As a person, story in any form of art means whole lot to me: I often pick songs based on what they say, not so much as how they sound (there are exceptions though). Regarding movies, I give a huge value for story this is why Spiderman 2 was, to me, awesome, and Spiderman 3 was a piece of thrash. On two, there was an awesome story ark which flowed very nicely throughout the movie. On 3, the plot was just too convoluted, and none of the scenes really depict the overall story of the movie. It was just of pretty scenes thrown together with few if any grandiose meaning.
Are video games Spiderman 2 or 3? The ones that matter are Spiderman 2.
If we look at "party games" of course you will believe that video games are hollow. However, if we were to look upon some of the classics, it would be possible to see that video games are indeed art. Let us take for example Bioshock one of last year's best games. The game told the story of the world of Rapture an a utopia brought to nought by man's corruption.
Are video games art? My answer is this: Would You Kindly look at the video below and tell me what you think? (You have to play the game and get to the ending to understand the irony in this question).
2 comments:
Awesome post, Isaac. You've really thought about this. I was listening to the Utube section by Lobe, and he asks "What has been the greatest evil or bad done to mankind?" (Something along those lines...) He answers "altruism." I answer possibly the rhetoric of altruism, it's discourse. What people have believed to be "for the betterment of others" and the way they have framed their ideas is rhetoric. Keep asking great questions, Isaac. Can't guarantee that you will ever come to answer, but in the process of asking, that is where you will find wisdom.
I myself wouldn’t go as far in saying that art has to tell a story. Yes, in the beginning when man first picked up a rock and scraped pictures on a cave till say the 1950’s, art was classified as a piece of work that tells a story. Since to 1960’s this notion has changed tremendously, and now art is considered an aesthetically pleasing work that moves its audience. Look at the work of Andy Warhol or Jurgen Teller for example.
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