Are Video Games a Form of Art?

Gamers wanted to know, are video games a form of art?

Art is an application or expression of human imagination or skills.

For this reason, we can categorize a video game as a form of art. 
However, not everyone agrees.

Some people believe that video games can never be classified as a form of art.

For instance, some game designers explain that art has evolved from cave paintings to modern digital pictures.

There is a lot of creativity and talent behind paintings.

Video games have evolved from simulations of famous games such as chess to online games.

At the same time, most people are not aware of the creativity and the process of designing a video game.

So are Video Games a form of Art?

We can classify not all video games as a form of art.

Some create an emotional experience, while others do not.

There are those games that are designed just for entertainment, and there are those that are built to entertain and to educate.

However, researchers can continue proving the reasons video games fall into the art industry.

For instance, today, most video games come with exclusive artwork, soundtrack, and a compelling story-line.

As a result, video game creators can easily connect the gamer emotionally with all the elements of the game.

This connection means that video games have gone beyond entertainment and into a form of art.

Below are three reasons video games are a form of art.

3 Reasons that make video games a form of art

Video games provide a level of engagement

Video games provide a level of engagement that cannot be found in other forms of art. 

For example, when reading a book, you are at the mercy of the author.

You can only see, read, or feel what he or she wants.

But when playing a video game, you have full control of the experience.

Even though the entire journey originates from the creator, you have the power of being a hero.

You can also reach some areas where the designers may or may not want you to go.

This connection between the gamer and the character creates a more profound sense of engagement.

When playing a video game, you step into the shoes of a game character and start experiencing a different world.

The feeling you get and the entire engagement makes video games more of an art than entertainment.

A video game can make you form opinions and even leave a lasting impression after you stop playing.

Some people argue that emotions and feelings after playing a video game are only negative sensations.

They believe that the reactions can lead to real-life disasters and that video games are catalysts of such adverse events.

But according to research, video games do not attract negative emotions.

And a person committing an offense does not need a video game to do the heinous act.

If people blame video games for shocking incidences, they would ignore the deeper feelings of the person.

Video games provide positive effects

We all love art because of the positive effects that come with it.

Art can make you change your behavior;It can entertain you or reduce stress in your life.

All these effects are the same case with video games.

If you are a die-hard fan of video games, you have noticed some changes in your own behavior.

Studies show that video games are an incredible source of reformation for children and teenagers.

Even though games have been around for many years, modern video games require the player’s attention.

Gamers need to focus and to multi-task; Something that cannot be associated with previous games.

Also, video games improve cognitive functions.

A video game can change someone’s brain structure just like playing a guitar or piano.

The focus and the concentration help to strengthen the neural circuits that form the brain.

Also, playing video games requires the player to coordinate the hands, the eyes, and the brain.

This coordination is the case with other art forms.

For instance, when you are playing both a guitar and singing at the same time.

With all these elements, it means you need to engage your mind, sight, and physical movements.

Keep in mind that video games are the instruments that introduce your child to the computer field.

By being familiar with these devices, your child can grow quickly and efficiently.

There is also the fun that comes with playing digital games.

Video games reduce stress

No matter your profession, age or gender, any form of art reduces stress levels.

According to many studies, people who love art or are engaged in the art such as drawing, painting or photography lead a more satisfied life than people who dislike art and culture.

The art effect is the same case with video game lovers.

Video games can help to reduce stress and depression.

After playing a video game, it leaves you feeling calm and mentally clear.

It also gives your mind a break from ordinary day-to-day activities.

Playing video games trains users to pay attention and to concentrate.

Recent studies have also shown the benefits of video games and the connection with art values.

Summary

For some people, playing a video game is a waste of time and resources.

But for many adults, teenagers, and kids, video games are the best forms of art.

Video games demand effort and attention for you to engage with characters.

This demand makes it easy for a non-gamer to be unconcerned with the platform.

But by looking at it in a different angle, a movie can last for 2-hours, reading a book can take 3-days but a video game can take over 80 hours to complete.

Also, video game stories reflect real-world events, life challenges and the aim to bring people together.

Therefore, video games are not just art but an essential art form for people of all ages.

External Resources

Time.com, Video Games Are One of the Most Important Art Forms in History. Retrieved on 4/29/2023.

CNN.com, Why gaming is now for adults and art lovers. Retrieved on 4/29/2023.

Smithsonianmag.com, The Art of Video Games. Retrieved on 4/29/2023.