Are Video

Games Art?
Video games are one of the world’s most What is 'art'?
popular forms of entertainment, with people
First, let’s think about what ‘art’ is.
of all ages playing them. Video games vary
Art is defined as a form of human
in complexity, from simple puzzle games to
expression that can cause an emotional
huge online multiplayer games.
response in others. It can express
While video games are clearly a form of meaning or simply be something that is
entertainment, many people consider them to enjoyed.
be art too. However, this opinion is challenged
There are many types of art forms, such
by others. Below, we’ll look at why people
as dance, painting, sculpture, and film.
think video games might or might not be ‘art’.

Arguments for video games as art

An assault on Hollywood-worthy An emotional

the senses stories response
The visual and sound The narrative and storytelling Video games can create
design of video games elements of video games are strong emotional responses
is often used as another reason why they in players – while games
evidence that they can be considered a form of like Super Mario might
can be considered a art. Many games have well- bring great joy, in the game
form of art. Many developed storylines and Eternal Darkness the main
games incorporate some even allow players to character slowly loses their
elements of traditional shape the story through their sanity if they spend too
art forms, such as choices. For example, the long near monsters – this
music and sculpture, game Red Dead Redemption 2 causes the game to change,
and have stunning allows players to decide if the making the game even
graphics, textures, and main character is ‘good’ or scarier for the player. Other
lighting effects. For ‘bad’ through their actions, games have been praised for
players, this can create and their decisions affect the putting players in the shoes
a deeply immersive ending. Some games tackle of characters from different
experience that blurs weighty themes and issues, backgrounds and perspectives,
the line between helping to raise awareness of too. This can help players to
reality and fantasy. important issues. understand other people more.

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 Are Video Games Art?

Arguments against video games as art

That's Get All about

entertainment interactive the money
One of the most common Paintings, sculptures, Unlike some other
arguments against video and films all involve forms of art, video
games as art is that they the audience looking or games are usually
are primarily seen as a listening to the art, as made by big companies
form of entertainment, the artist ‘speaks’ to them that ultimately want
lacking the depth or through it. In a video to make money. This
meaning of other forms game, players interact means game developers
of art. Critics argue that directly with the art – may be pressured into
video games are designed in this way, it is very creating games with less
to be consumed quickly different. It becomes harder creativity that can sell
and easily, rather than for the game creators to more. As such, many
savoured like a painting communicate with the games are very similar,
or a piece of music. This player, as they might because the developers
is usually based on the choose to ignore certain are trying to follow
fact some games, like Call parts of the game. The what is popular – this
of Duty, have a heavy creators cannot ‘control’ the can be very bad
focus on action. experience as easily. for creativity.

Conclusion
While video games share some characteristics with traditional art forms, their
interactive nature makes them unique. Some of the criticisms above might seem unfair
– for instance, a lot of music and movies are just made to make money, and not every
book has great depth.

What do you think? Are video games ‘art’, or are they

something different? Do you think it matters if video
games are called art?

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 Are Video Games Art?

Questions
Vocabulary Questions

1. What does 'immersive' mean?

a. boring

b. dull

c. captivating

d. uninteresting

2. What is the meaning of 'savour'?

a. to enjoy slowly

b. to consume quickly

c. to ignore

d. to dislike

3. What does 'contemplate' mean?

a. to ignore

b. to avoid

c. to think deeply

d. to dislike

Reading Questions

1. What is the main argument for video games as art?

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 Are Video Games Art?
2. How do video games create an emotional response in players?

3. Why do some people believe games are not art because they are interactive?

4. What art forms influence video games?

5. Why do some people believe games are not art because they are made by big
companies?

Writing Questions

1. Do you agree or disagree that video games can be considered art? Why or why not?

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 Are Video Games Art?

2. Choose one video game that you think could be considered art and explain why.

3. What is your favourite video game and why do you enjoy playing it?

4. Write a paragraph about a game that you think tackles big themes and issues, and
explain why you think it is important.

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 Are Video Games Art?

Answers
Vocabulary Questions

1. What does 'immersive' mean?

a. boring

b. dull
P c. captivating

d. uninteresting

2. What is the meaning of 'savour'?

P a. to enjoy slowly
b. to consume quickly

c. to ignore

d. to dislike

3. What does 'contemplate' mean?

a. to ignore

b. to avoid

P c. to think deeply

d. to dislike

Reading Questions

1. What is the main argument for video games as art?

Video games can be considered a form of art because of their impressive visual and
sound design, their narrative and storytelling elements, and their ability to create
strong emotional responses in players.

2. How do video games create an emotional response in players?

Video games can create a strong emotional response in players through elements such
as music, storylines, and immersive experiences.

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 Are Video Games Art?
3. What is the criticism against video games as art related to their interactive nature?

Critics argue that video games' interactive nature makes it difficult for the creators to
communicate with the player and creates a different experience than other traditional
art forms.

4. What art forms influence video games?

Video games are heavily influenced by art forms such as music, painting, and film.

5. What is the criticism against video games related to the fact that they are made by
big companies?

Critics argue that video games are made by big companies that ultimately want to
make money, which can lead to a lack of creativity in game development.

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