Why Video Games Are Artistic
gamestudent
Member Posts: 504
This is a Paper I wrote for an english assignment at school. Its partially a well thought out and earnest assignment, and partially as a curveball for my teacher because its almost the end of the year and she's gone assignment happy, and I'm tired of boring assignments. 
Please note that I mostly made this stuff up for the assignment, and that its all totally up for debate, and I am welcoming towards anyone who might disagree.
James Knudsen
English
Ms. P---
2 Apr. 2015
Word Count: 518
Why Video Games Are Artistic
Video Games Are a very effective medium for artistic expression because they allow the player, the game, and the
developer to communicate at a very complex level through the use of visual displays, auditory cues, storytelling and, most
importantly, user input. There are, surprisingly, several ways that make these games artistic.
First, in the same way that a painting is made to evoke a response, Video Games are designed to stimulate a response in
the player, wether it be frustration, accomplishment, or more emotional responses such as wonder and amusement.(Bateman)
Even if the response, like many have to modern or abstract art, is “Thats not art!” that in its self is artistic. The reaction evoked
is a part of what makes it art.
Second, game designers are similar to other artists in that they are both really storytellers.(Skolnick). In the world of video
games the player is either told the story directly or is given bits of information around which, a story is created in their heads.
The very same as in paintings. This can be either a very simple or complex story, of course.
An example of this is the hit iOS game Monument Valley, a critically acclaimed “art game” by indie development team
Ustwo. By using subtle story points through gameplay, the game creates a viable narrative in the head of the player, which is
what has made this particular game so enticing to players.(Adamou)
Third, a part of the painter goes into his works. Michelangelo lives on in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Artists invest a
part of themselves in their works. Game developers often do the same thing. This little part of themselves also adds to the
artistic value of the painting.
Finally, is the interaction between the player and the game. The most in depth view of art in Games this: The game creates
an event that the player reacts to by inputting information into the game.(Because of the relatively new technology of video
games, the information the game outputs is generally visual and audible, whereas the information that is received is tactile.)
This input is then processed by the game and the game then generates another response, thus looping the cycle. This process is
very mush like a dance.
With all of these things in mind, one must also remember that there has always been high art, and low art.(Morehouse)
Masters and amateurs. The same is applicable in Video Games. Many Developers create games that are really less then quality, a
few create decent games that you’d play now and again, and a selection of the best, might make games that you’d be proud to
hang in your living room. Maybe one or two create games that get played for generations because of their excellence.
Video games are going to be the next great art form. They are becoming more and more, the preferred medium of
expression for the 21st century. Game designers, programmers, and developers are artists in their own right. Games will one
day be admired like any of the great works of history.
Works Cited
Bateman, Chris. "Top Ten Videogame Emotions." 'Only a Game' Chris Bateman, 9 Apr. 2008. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
Skolnick, Evan. "Video Game Storytelling: From Tutorial to Book, and Back Again." Gamasutra. N.p., 2 Feb. 2015. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
Adamou, Betty. "The Most Beautiful Game I've Ever Played: Being Ida in the Monument Valley." Research Through Gaming. Research Through Gaming, 09 Apr. 2014. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
Morehouse, Isaac M. "Video Games as High Art." Isaac M Morehouse. Isaac M Morehouse, 30 May 2013. Web. 02 Apr. 2015.
Comments
I have no idea whats up with the font and formatting.
I like it. Well done.
Very good, I have always thought that game and art follow each other.
Both are forms of amusement in their own right.