Hmmm, this debate is hot on the teh internetz and I find myself feeling rather strongly about it. Gaming as art… It’s certainly an interesting concept and the implications are rather profound. Roger Ebert, who I respect as an authority on media criticism (that is, of course, not synonymous with complete subscription to his views), has explicitly stated that video games can never be art.
Cliche as it may (does) sound, I learned a long time ago not to say “never”. The universe, nature, mankind, everything around us; has consistently proven itself capable of accomplishing feats that generations previous probably never imagined could be possible. I truly believe that just about anything is possible.
But wait, that’s not even really the issue I want to address. What I really want to get at here is that Ebert (and probably many others) are claiming that gaming cannot be art.
Art.
Maybe I’m missing something, but last I checked, there is no quantifiable or universal definition of art. In fact, at least, for me, the true nature and subsequent beauty of art, is derived from the very fact that art is an analogue we have fashioned from our interpretation of the expressions and intentions of various creators. In other words, I honestly believe that art is simply the expression and appreciation of the human element.
Art.
We have defined many things as art throughout history, have we not? Paintings, song, film, acts, writings, even declarations and atrocities. Expressions. I am not advocating that absolutely everything EVER is art. Far from it. But if someone is stirred by another’s willful dissemination, then who am I to say that that thing isn’t art to them? Video games have evolved into incredible tapestries of emotion, participation and technological prowess. Rich narratives are told, sounds swell and beat and visuals paint our screens in myriad hues, shapes and styles. For many of us, these games are paramount experiences in our lives. Sound trite? I don’t think so. Remember the first time you sat down and played Super Mario Bros. and watched that cheeky little plumber jump around? Remember Pac-Man? Jump forward. Remember Silent Hill and the way it reached into your psyche and toyed with you? Shadow of the Colossus and the goosebumps you felt when the game translated its motivations into such simplicity and beauty? Little Big Planet, a game that literally provides a digital canvas, ripe with player fabrication and ingenuity?
Today, the medium is more elaborate and prolific than ever. Developers collaborate with writers, composers and get this: artists, to create games of such startling quality, that it simply transcends the possibilities and considerations of yester-year. That’s the point. In every conceivable step of game creation, there is an abundance of creativity and personal divulgence being crafted. Video games are designed to elicit emotion: excitement, laughter, sadness, satisfaction, anger and joy. They are successful (as many of you know) in this regard. Gaming has evolved to stimulate society as well as our minds. They are topical, comedic, violent, intelligent and sometimes, downright bad. I suppose I can’t be sure, but I’m reasonably certain the same can be said for books, cinema, music and paintings.
For me personally, I love gaming for the experience it provides. Games tell stories through dialogue, music, cinematics and by requiring the observer to participate in the symphony of these elements. The engagement here is immersive; in every sense of the word.
Art. I’ll say it shortly now and express my thesis. To me, gaming is absolutely art. Ebert mentions that we shouldn’t care. That is doesn’t matter and that we should simply enjoy gaming for what it is. Fine Roger. I will. I will enjoy it as the cultivated, imaginative and dynamic medium that it is.
I will enjoy it as art.
Cheers,
~E.
The difference between our blogs is astounding.
Amen.