The Video Games - Report Example

s Art constitutes any form of expression which is used to communicate the thoughts or emotions by an artist in a creative manner. In other words, the test of art lies in the sense of expression inherent to the content of matter which must leave an exhilarating experience on individuals. Therefore, in order to argue whether or not Video Games qualify as an art form, these video games must be put to similar test. There are a multitude of views regarding this debate, where a few regard only a handful of high quality video games as artful while others discard all video games for their art value. Yet, there are few of those who not only consider video games as creative art forms but also regard them as the most revolutionary and the most interactive art form (Aarseth 19). The paper will also aim at arguing how video games qualify the test for being the most advanced and revolutionary art form since they manage to tie together various properties of creative interests to entertain the gaming community. Therefore, the paper will present various aspects explaining how Video Games constitute the ultimate art form considering its effects and impacts on human brain and also on the creative impulses of humans. Furthermore, there is no second opinion on the fact that video games tend to inspire and invigorate individuals by offering simulations in a way no other medium can. The paper will also take into account opposing viewpoints to further strengthen the argument and explain the qualities constituting art which makes video games an art form. Art forms inherently own the property of instilling an intense emotion (even mild emotion) and capacity to stimulate human intellect. Now, the basic question which surrounds the debate is whether or not video games have the capacity to instill any kind of emotions or for that reason, any kind of intellectual stimulation. Various dramas, poetries, films and novels constitute art due to the creative aspect where the producer of the content is communicating emotive value to its viewers. A video game developer also serves the same purpose (Floridi 4-5). The graphical value of these games, various directions and instructions, story-telling features and even the use of language in most of the games is what makes video games an expressive yet creative form. Furthermore, various other art forms also offer educational function as well as their value in terms of offering awareness on politics, society or other aspects. One can`t negate the perspective that video games also offer media legitimacy and awareness for its users. A few of the video games are also based on few of the most high quality movies, which further validates the artistic value of these video games for serving the awareness functions. For instance, video games like Medal of Honor and Hercules qualify all such measures which qualify these games for being art forms. Both these movies have a solid storyline, both are theme centered, both express valuable messages and most of all, the players often feel connected and are emotionally as well as intellectually stimulated by these games. Furthermore, generally art form only offers a creative sense of expression while video games offer an added feature which elevates their position as an art form. In other words, video games are interactive forms of expression where the players not only take the creative aspects as they are, but also interact in the simulation environment offered by these video games (Clarke & Mitchell 22). Not only do the players take action and are in control which in the simulation environment, but also verbally interact with each other. For instance, the example of the game mentioned above Medal of Honor offers space for teams to interact with each other and giving orders. Similarly, a new game called ‘Utopia’ is an instance of a new game in political genre where a dialogue may also be generated amongst the users. Also, with the advent of social media, most of the games are now interactive in nature which implies that in this new art form the space for intellectual stimulation and creative energies is quite vast. Furthermore, similar to other art mediums, where there is an underlying philosophy behind art form, the game developers also utilize various philosophies which imply how qualitative value of this art maintains integrity. For instance, engagement theory is the recent trend in game development whereby game developers tend to up their ante in terms of their interactive value. Therefore, video games qualify for their artistic value considering various aspects involved with art. (Tavinor 44-45) However, the opposing view argues that various low quality games like Electroplankton and Happy Feet are proof of the fact that these may never be placed against artistic pieces like Mona Lisa. Also, these games tend to be completely under the control of the players where the game developers don`t add much value to the expressive nature of these arts. However, the same can be said about a few movies or art pieces which are mediocre in nature and the viewers aren’t always much entertained or even interested. Yet, media literacy has added legitimacy to these forms where no one doubts their art value, and thus, similar standards must be applied to video games (Contemporary Aesthetics 11). Also, as long as the view regarding control by the players is concerned, that premise is also flawed and just distinguishes this medium from the others. In other words, just like paintings are distinct from movie, video games are also different from movies. Thus this aspect just adds value to the artistic sense and not undermines it. Therefore conclusively, video games are consistent with the qualities which a medium must possess to qualify as being an art form. Not only are these video games expressive and creative, but also interactive and informative which only enhance their status as being art forms. Just like all other mediums acquire legitimacy for qualifying as an art form after various transitions, same would be the case with video games. The opposing views would also wither away with time, as the philosophies and the interactive nature of the video games will further enhance, the artistic value will also be increased and this medium will also acquire legitimacy ending this debate. Works Cited: Aarseth, Espen J. Cybertext: Perspectives on Ergodic Literature. Baltimore, Md: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997. Print. Clarke, Andy, and Grethe Mitchell. Videogames and Art. Bristol, UK: Intellect, 2007. Print. Contemporary Aesthetics. Castine, ME: Contemporary Aesthetics, 2003. Internet resource. Floridi, Luciano. The Blackwell Guide to the Philosophy of Computing and Information. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub, 2004. Print. Tavinor, Grant. The Art of Videogames. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009. Print. Read More