Can video games be art?

[suquamish]

Being something of a hacker (in the classic sense, not in the hollywood sense) and a dyed-in-the-wool dreamer, I have always been interested in the bigger ramifications of software. One of the subjects that captured my interest is the question "can video games be art?"

With a subject that nebulous, you can expect there are plenty of people on all sides. Of the people that think that video games can be art, there are (of course) a few people that develop games as art. One person in particular, Jason Rohrer, created a game called "Passage" awhile back a memento mori. This game struck a cord with me, and convinced me that video games can indeed be an art form unto themselves.

You can get it here:

http://hcsoftware.sourceforge.net/passage/

[Angela]

I totally believe that video games can be art. I think anything that lets people express themselves is an art unto itself be it music, movies, fashion, photography, writing, drawing, whatever medium the soul so craves. I myself am always amazed, affected, and inspired by the various levels that go into the game making process. The story, the character designs, the music, environments, and even the movements themselves can be beautiful. So many times I've felt my own creativity stir while playing, and I really credit the extremely talented people who put their all into making their own designs, emotions, and fantasies come to life. I think it's awesome that someone has managed to connect with you via this format and really leave a lasting impression. I imagine it would be the highest compliment an artist could achieve.

[Slappy]

I also agree that I always have seen art as a form of expression and video games are an expression of someone's vision. I would definitely say that it is much like movies, yeah some are just entertainment but you run across true art here and there. Movies have had longer wait and I think we will all see more games that are an art form on their own.

[Lol!ta]

There is a peaceful, unspoken serenity about getting lost in your favorite game. All the time that animators put into the vibrant colours and emotional landscapes, skies and oceans so realistic you want to exchange places with your avatar, if only for a moment.

When I am playing The Twilight Princess indeed I feel to be a part of a moving work of art, it's so visually beautiful that I often forget entirely what I am doing in the game and simply start galloping through the pond :)

Oh - I almost forgot. Another huge form of artistic expression for me is taking photos while playing Second Life. Just as I enjoy photography in my real life, it's all about capturing the beauty of the moment and I have had many of those moments playing SL. I love sharing my digital art with friends!