- From simple entertainments like arcade classics, video games have evolved into a respected high art form.
- Video games combine visual art, cinematic storytelling, and interactive gameplay in a way that no other medium can.
- Games are now widely recognized as an art form that evokes deep emotions and delivers profound storytelling experiences, similar to film and literature.
At the genre’s beginning, video games were nothing more than pixels imitating ping pong, space shooters, or a monkey throwing barrels at an Italian plumber. Slowly but shortly, the medium has become high art, and I would argue that it is the best storytelling medium ever. Read along to see why!
How It Happened
As stated in the intro to this article, games were easy entertainment in the early days, with a day at the arcade being nothing more than a day at the pool. As systems became more capable of creating immersive worlds, game developers started treating their craft with the love that it deserved.
For every Terminator and James Bond, we saw the rise of a Lara Croft and an Agent 47. Despite this, the 2000s showed a huge number of people still disagreeing with this sentiment for one reason or another.
Maybe it was the seemingly violent Call Of Duty games that they had witnessed, or the vileness of something like GTA, or they never grew out of thinking of games as anything more than a day at the pool, but the sentiment was there, and it was strong.
I don’t think it fair to cite a single game like The Last Of Us, Mass Effect, or Shadow Of The Colossus as the turning point of this widely held idea, but it is shattered for the most part. These days, video games are getting the respect they deserve, are regarded as art, and are often translated into other mediums.
What Makes Video Games So Special
Video games have a few things going for them that differentiate them from any other form of art or storytelling, which we will discuss in the sections below.
A Culmination
Video games integrate diverse art forms: visuals and dialogue akin to the theatre on a global stage, cinematic cut scenes with artistic camera work, and music that enhances the drama, often feeling operatic.
While games vary in their execution—some excel in writing but falter in visuals or music—the best exemplify immersive storytelling, offering emotional experiences akin to traditional mediums.
Interactivity
Video games are the only widely popular medium that allows you, the player, to affect the world in which the story is told, if not the story itself. While other mediums of storytelling try to project you onto a character in the world, video games do this very literally.
This mechanic demands your attention and involves your emotions, and if done right, it cannot be imitated by anything.
The interactivity leads the way to decisions and challenges, which leads nicely into our next topic.
Challenge
The best games offer challenging gameplay where significant story moments are hidden behind obstacles, intensifying emotional impact. Unlike other mediums like movies, where characters face challenges, in games, you actively overcome them.
This interactive experience enhances emotional connection, such as defeating a protagonist’s best friend after a gripping battle, which resonates more deeply than simply observing the event unfold.
Not All Games
Of course, this classification of high art is a title the majority of games don’t get, but that’s not the point I’m trying to make. Games have the potential to be one of the most life-altering experiences a person can have, whether it be learning how to persevere in a hopeless world with Dark Souls or feeling your heart break while playing The Last Of Us.
I’m happy that games are recognized as art these days, and I love that this medium is celebrated worldwide with award shows and expos. Keep visiting our website for news and feature coverage of these amazing pieces of art coming out!
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.
