Is Video Game art?

(The Witcher 2, downloaded from Goggle pictures)

(Farm Story, downloaded form Goggle pictures)

These two games are popular in recent years. The Witcher 2 this game is written based on a novel, so it has a story background and plots are inserted in, which made the game have a deeper meaning. Moreover, the technology that used in manipulating pictures it shown is advanced and stunning, it gave gamer an enjoyment when watching the scenes.  With literature and visual effects, does it make this video game ART?

Nowadays, video games become more advanced and different from the past. Other than fun elements, story and beautiful pictures are in. Literature and painting are definitely in the category of art. But can we say the story and pictures in game is art? Or game as a whole is art?

Before we drill into the question, lets look at some definitions of art!

• Art carries messages.
• Art has an Aesthetic.
• Art makes you feel things.
• Art has skills.

In some sense, video games can fulfill the above criteria. "video games may be the most immersive medium of all, in Melissinos’ estimation. “In books, everything is laid before you,” he says. “There is nothing left for you to discover. Video games are the only forms of artistic expression that allow the authoritative voice of the author to remain true while allowing the observer to explore and experiment.” " Melissinos is the guest curator of “The Art of Video Games”

In past, video games mainly focus on providing fun to players, but now we see the game inventors are putting more thoughts into the game. It is an improvement. Maybe some games can be said as art work. However, it is rare. Most games are still focusing on fun and excitement. It is also something the players mainly concern about. Considering the attitude of game inventors and players, most of them do not have an intention to create art or appreciate which made video game cannot be art. 

Here is the thought of our group :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZ-49k1N5U&list=UUqejpVIM1_pg0Ebeh_70bnw&index=1

References:

1. Will computer games ever be a legitimate art form? (Ernest W. Adams)

2. The art of video games (Abigail Tucker)