Kahle 1

Laney Kahle
Mrs. Cramer
Comp Pd. 27
5 Oct. 2018
The Truth Behind Videogames

There is more behind video games than you think. The question, “Are videogames

considered art” is very debatable. People have strong feelings towards each side. It is important

that each side has a reason behind what they believe in. Also, the answer to the question may

change people's thoughts on video games in a good, or bad way. While the topic may be

debatable, there are valid reasons to consider videogames art, reasons that it does not fit that

description, and ideology that there is a difference between art and videogames.

Although there are different thoughts on the topic, people believe that art is a big part of

video games. Throughout time video games have evolved in numerous ways. The concept,

details, and graphics have increased greatly. Games have also gotten to the point where they

control emotions. Game consoles have gone from a little box- like figure to a figure that is

similar to a DVD player. Not only has the console itself changed, but the accessories that the

games come with now our crazy. Players can now communicate to others, or friends through one

little wire. Communication can be spread out through headphones, and a microphone to any

other console around the world. Creators of the system had to lay out designs to create the idea

of a microphoned headset. The main part of art is sketching out before making the final design

therefore, making art and the idea of video games similar. Graphics, along with the consoles

have changed into something great( Tavinor 22). In today's games, players might feel as if they

are in the game themselves. The graphics have gone from looking like animated figures to real

life people. The creators had to draw out the ideas of what the characters in the game would look
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like. True thought and creativity must be put in to make all the characters in the game unique,

and different. Video games also produce emotions to the players just like art does to the viewers.

Art is full of emotions, and ideas. When people view art, they may feel depressed, angry, and

sympathetic. Video games also produce the same emotions in a different way. People playing the

games may get angry when they lose, or full of excitement when they win. Gamers feel

determined to exceed in the game they are playing, which makes them feel good inside. Due to

evolution, and emotions from video games, they are seen to be art (Cruz 1).

However, there is strong evidence to prove that video games do not fit the description of

art. Video games have aspects about them, that push them out of being considered as art. For a

piece of work to be considered art there must be full creativity behind it. Video games do not

have a creative background. Once the game is made, there are few changes made. The creators

have the idea of the game and put the simplest details to make the game run smoothly. Art is

whatever comes to the artist’s mind. They do not care about if it is perfect or not. The viewers

find the art beautiful and appealing no matter what. Games are seen to be goal-directed. The

creators make the games, so the players have something to achieve. They want the players to

thrive for something, and just follow the easy steps to win. While playing the games there are

only a few certain ways to accomplish the task. There is no way that the players can be creative

and think outside of the box to win. The players do the same routine repeatedly every time they

play the game. Art can be viewed in a different way every time it is looked at. Video games are

also seen as an activity while arts seen as a passion. People play games when they have time for

them or when they are bored. Artists’, however, make the time for art and they do not want to do

anything but art. The players cannot control what happens in the game. The game is seen only as

one way to everyone. Art on the other hand is looked at differently by people. True art has
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different meanings and can be looked at however anybody wants to look at it. Overall video

games are not seen as art due to the real meaning of art (Rough 3)

The difference between art and video games is very clear. Art and video games have

multiple differences between them leaving games not to be any part of art. Due to the concept of

art being to transmit emotional complexity and video games is a game played electronically. The

definition of videogames does not clearly state that is a part of art. Video games do not fit the

concept of transmitting emotional complexity. Games are seen to be only fun for the players. On

the other hand, many argue that there is no difference between the two. The reasoning behind

why people see no difference between art and video games is that things like film are seen to be

a part of art. Creating videogames uses the same idea that creating film does. Sketches and

planning need to be laid out before the final product. However, the mindset behind film is

creativity and inspiration. Video games are just based on popularity and grabbing the attention of

young kids. If video games were truly art, the creators would be trying to meet the interest of all

age groups instead of just one. Art is made for everyone to see and take into consideration.

Despite many arguments a difference between art and videogames is seen (Tavinor 23).

In conclusion, the idea of video games being a part of art is very debatable due to

individuals considering it art, and the reasons video games do not fit the description of art, and

that there is a clear difference between the two. In conclusion art is a big part of video games due

to details and graphics. However, video games are seen to have little creativity behind them

pushing games out of the category of art. Between each side of ideas a difference between the

two is visible. Overall there is more behind video games than you think.
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Works Cited

Cruz, Angel. "Are Videogames Art?" Angel Cruz, 29 Mar. 2015,

angelcruz3.wordpress.com/2015/03/29/are-video-games-art/. Accessed 21 Sept. 2018.

Rough, Brock. "Are Videogames Art?" DRUM, U of Maryland Libraries, 2016,

drum.lib.umd.edu/handle/1903/18776. Accessed 20 Sept. 2018.

Tavinor, Grant. "Videogames as Mass Art." Contemporary Aesthetics, Digital Commons,

digitalcommons.risd.edu/liberalarts_contempaesthetics/vol9/iss1/9/. Accessed 21 Sept.

2018.