Okay, this is an old debate, but I'm bringing it up with reason. I'm making an essay on games as an form of art, and I've been gathering opinions on the matter. I've gotten Ebert's, game developers, and game critic's. But I want to get the opinions of gamers next, and where better to find out than a gaming forum? So if you want to, just leave if why you think games are art or not, and I may put your view in my essay. Thanks, and hope you post!
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Anything which has been created or modified by human hands is art.
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I'd say some games contain certain elements which I would consider artistic, but I haven't yet come across a whole package that I would consider to be art. Well, maybe Flower, but even that is basically just a regular game with an obtuse interface. Perhaps, Noby Noby Boy comes close, although I haven't played it. I think the need to make a fun accessible game that will make a huge profit usually outweighs the desire for artistic creativity. In general, I would say games are not art.
Part of the problem, is I still think we have yet to see a game with a great story. Even the games with the best stories (Mass Effect for example) don't even come close to the best, or even average stories you'll find in movies or books.
On a more serious note, games are art by definition:
Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions.
Not really any argument on that point.
Only Pong!
The only semi-convincing argument to games not being art is the following:
"Video games will never be art because games have set goals and objectives that drive the user. Art, on the other hand, only exists to be admired."
That said, Taintedzodiac's explanation is much better.
taintedzodiac: On a more serious note, games are art by definition: Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way to affect the senses or emotions. Not really any argument on that point.
Yes, but by this argument I could flick a turd on the ground and call it art... (not that I would)
I think some games are art, just like some movies/books/music are (is?) art... but I am pretty right brain and don't really "get" art alot of the time (apparently) so I might not be a good opinion to take into consideration...
I'm just looking for opinions. I believe you can really call anything art, and not everyone has to enjoy that piece of art, but you would be surprised at the pretentious articles I've found online of people claiming that 'Games will not be art, until they're made simply for the joy of making games'.
By that definition most games are the complete antithesis of art, as they are made to turn a profit and entertain; affecting the senses or emotions are often, either secondary, or completely accidental side effects.
There are already countless things considered art that are done simply for profit. One big example is the graphic arts (aka Graphic Design). The majority of what is done is not for themselves but for companies or other entities.
In my opinion, art is anything that evokes any of the five senses. Most commonly, people that think about art only think about it affecting your visual perception, otherwise known as fine art, and more specifically painting. Yet there is a wide arrange of media that can and is already considered art that isn't simply taken in by looking at it. Music is enjoyed by listening to the harmony or discord of the different range of notes and instruments. Sculpture can be created to have a texture to it that one can feel with their hands. Food, otherwise known as the culinary arts, can be made with a blend of spices and ingredients to stimulate your taste buds, and sometimes your sense of smell.
Though with this definition, nearly anything can be considered art. Although that could be true, many things are not made to purposely look beautiful, or purposely look repulsive. For instance, everyday items are made only for the purpose of being used. Taking anything and putting it together cannot be considered art. There must be some purpose behind it, some thought or some meaning.
Everyone has the instinct of knowing what is art and what appeals to them. There have been many discussions and research as to what appeals to us all at a universal level. Those ideas were brought about in Germany by an art school, a group of artists, known as the Bauhaus. The theory behind what we find appealing is know as Gestalt; an innate, visual attraction with how something is designed. If you take the basic principles behind the theory, you can essentially apply it to all types of arts, not just the visual arts.
Art is in the eye of the beholder. Much of what I would consider art, would by others be deemed as not art at all. In turn, anything that I don't relate to, I might not consider it as art. In the end, as a student of art, I realize that art is up to the viewer to determine. Though there can be a number of different media that can be considered art by the large majority, it really depends on the individual's preferences. If even only a small number of people are in some way impacted by it emotionally and can think about it's content critically, then it is art.
So then, should video games be considered art? I believe so, but not simply because I enjoy them. Games have left a large impact on many people's lives who have played them. Some people have forgone sleep, eating, relationships, etc. because of it. They have become consumed by it, and in their minds they see it as the absolute truth. Of course, this is the extreme of things. The majority of us enthusiasts have simply played these games only for short amounts of times.
Yet we all at some point have been caught up in their story or their gameplay. We convince ourselves, even if it's for just a small moment, that this game is real, or that it could possibly happen. We suspend our reality because we become so immersed in it. Video games go a step further than movies, because not only are we taking in all of the information both visually and audibly, but we are also taking it in through our actions. Although they don't mirror exactly what we see on the screen, we are still inputting certain commands to control our characters. Gamers become that character, they think and act exactly how they would if they were put in that situation. They can become frantic if there is danger around, or peaceful if they are simply strolling along.
Just like humans instinctively can tell when a piece of art is done with great technique and a strong understanding of design and what appeals to us, we too can tell when a video game is done with grand intentions. Those games end up receiving praise by all of us who play it. We see how great the graphics are and how realistic they may be, or in contrast how expressive and surreal they may be. We listen and take in the musical score used to influence our mood and how realistic or appealing the sound effects are. We examine the storyline that may be present, and judge it's effectiveness in entertaining us along with it. We break down the different actions and responses that are taken to move and interact with the characters we control, and how easy and entertaining the control layouts are. When it is all superb, we can truly realize that they are worthy of greatness and our time spent in it. When it is subpar, we can describe the problems that were present to us and how they diminished the experience. Just like with any other form of art, there are many arguments even amongst ourselves of the quality of each game. Some people do not enjoy games that are elevated on a pedestal by the rest of our society, yet others have lots of fun playing games that were viewed universally as really bad games.
As some have mentioned time and time again, great art is never truly appreciated when it first comes out. Nearly all of the greatest painters, musicians, and writers have been ridiculed when they are alive. Styles and techniques that are new and rising are always looked upon as too different to the norm, hence they cannot truly be art. This is why video games now are not seen as art by some. They are too different, too unique, too unknown. Despite being around for over 50 years, video games are still seen as nothing in the eyes of elitist critics. Yet one day, everyone will realize just how special the medium is, and just how much it has evolved.
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Kameleon: There are already countless things considered art that are done simply for profit. One big example is the graphic arts (aka Graphic Design). The majority of what is done is not for themselves but for companies or other entities. In my opinion, art is anything that evokes any of the five senses. Most commonly, people that think about art only think about it affecting your visual perception, otherwise known as fine art, and more specifically painting. Yet there is a wide arrange of media that can and is already considered art that isn't simply taken in by looking at it. Music is enjoyed by listening to the harmony or discord of the different range of notes and instruments. Sculpture can be created to have a texture to it that one can feel with their hands. Food, otherwise known as the culinary arts, can be made with a blend of spices and ingredients to stimulate your taste buds, and sometimes your sense of smell. Though with this definition, nearly anything can be considered art. Although that could be true, many things are not made to purposely look beautiful, or purposely look repulsive. For instance, everyday items are made only for the purpose of being used. Taking anything and putting it together cannot be considered art. There must be some purpose behind it, some thought or some meaning. Everyone has the instinct of knowing what is art and what appeals to them. There have been many discussions and research as to what appeals to us all at a universal level. Those ideas were brought about in Germany by an art school, a group of artists, known as the Bauhaus. The theory behind what we find appealing is know as Gestalt; an innate, visual attraction with how something is designed. If you take the basic principles behind the theory, you can essentially apply it to all types of arts, not just the visual arts. Art is in the eye of the beholder. Much of what I would consider art, would by others be deemed as not art at all. In turn, anything that I don't relate to, I might not consider it as art. In the end, as a student of art, I realize that art is up to the viewer to determine. Though there can be a number of different media that can be considered art by the large majority, it really depends on the individual's preferences. If even only a small number of people are in some way impacted by it emotionally and can think about it's content critically, then it is art. So then, should video games be considered art? I believe so, but not simply because I enjoy them. Games have left a large impact on many people's lives who have played them. Some people have forgone sleep, eating, relationships, etc. because of it. They have become consumed by it, and in their minds they see it as the absolute truth. Of course, this is the extreme of things. The majority of us enthusiasts have simply played these games only for short amounts of times. Yet we all at some point have been caught up in their story or their gameplay. We convince ourselves, even if it's for just a small moment, that this game is real, or that it could possibly happen. We suspend our reality because we become so immersed in it. Video games go a step further than movies, because not only are we taking in all of the information both visually and audibly, but we are also taking it in through our actions. Although they don't mirror exactly what we see on the screen, we are still inputting certain commands to control our characters. Gamers become that character, they think and act exactly how they would if they were put in that situation. They can become frantic if there is danger around, or peaceful if they are simply strolling along. Just like humans instinctively can tell when a piece of art is done with great technique and a strong understanding of design and what appeals to us, we too can tell when a video game is done with grand intentions. Those games end up receiving praise by all of us who play it. We see how great the graphics are and how realistic they may be, or in contrast how expressive and surreal they may be. We listen and take in the musical score used to influence our mood and how realistic or appealing the sound effects are. We examine the storyline that may be present, and judge it's effectiveness in entertaining us along with it. We break down the different actions and responses that are taken to move and interact with the characters we control, and how easy and entertaining the control layouts are. When it is all superb, we can truly realize that they are worthy of greatness and our time spent in it. When it is subpar, we can describe the problems that were present to us and how they diminished the experience. Just like with any other form of art, there are many arguments even amongst ourselves of the quality of each game. Some people do not enjoy games that are elevated on a pedestal by the rest of our society, yet others have lots of fun playing games that were viewed universally as really bad games. As some have mentioned time and time again, great art is never truly appreciated when it first comes out. Nearly all of the greatest painters, musicians, and writers have been ridiculed when they are alive. Styles and techniques that are new and rising are always looked upon as too different to the norm, hence they cannot truly be art. This is why video games now are not seen as art by some. They are too different, too unique, too unknown. Despite being around for over 50 years, video games are still seen as nothing in the eyes of elitist critics. Yet one day, everyone will realize just how special the medium is, and just how much it has evolved.
LOL i think someone just wrote your essay for you... ;)
Renaissance 2K: The only semi-convincing argument to games not being art is the following: "Video games will never be art because games have set goals and objectives that drive the user. Art, on the other hand, only exists to be admired." That said, Taintedzodiac's explanation is much better.
So... should video gaming be considered a sport?