Video games are a contentious topic among many. Some consider them to be a fun hobby to relax with, but some consider them to be destructive and induce violence and laziness. Because of this divide, there is a debate on whether video games can be considered art or frivolous, sinful wastes of time, stirring varied opinions across the cultural spectrum.
This debate is still ongoing among many; however, in a legal setting, it ended last June when the Supreme Court ruled that video games should be considered an art form deserving of the First Amendment safeguards that protect books, plays, and movies.
The reason for this ruling is simple: video games are very obviously works of art.
The essence of art is deeply subjective. What constitutes art has evolved over time, encompassing a range of expressions and forms. To exclude video games from the realm of art is to ignore this very aspect of artistic diversity. Video games, with their varied styles and experiences, as well as the effort and time put into them by their developers, surely qualify.
Video games represent a unique convergence of multiple artistic mediums. They blend storytelling, visual arts, music, and interactive design in a way that few other artistic careers do.
Considering the creativity and skill involved in game development and design, from intricate stories to sophisticated visual and sound design, video games are one of the most artistic creations someone can make.
Film critic Roger Egbert argued that video games can never qualify as an art expression because their interactivity meant that the creator was unable to create an authorial vision. “No one ‘owns’ the game,” he said, “so there is no artist, and therefore no work of art”.
This statement not only undermines the medium of collaborative art but Egbert’s insistence that video games have no creative voice behind them is blatantly incorrect. Just as a film is shaped by a director’s vision, many video games are driven by their narratives and the vision of the developers behind it. Renowned game designers such as Hideo Kojima, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Ken Livine are known for their distinct storytelling and art styles, much like celebrated authors or filmmakers.
Ebert’s belief may be derived from the argument many people like to make when on the topic of video games: video games are mindless, frivolous wastes of time that are only cause for distraction and aggressive behavior. The stereotype of video games as mere violent escapades is outdated. Many modern video games weave complex narratives that indulge into political, social, and ethical themes, often giving players the option to make their own decisions and inducing them to think critically of the  possible outcomes. “Undertale”, one of the most popular video games of all time, actively advocated against violence, provoking them to consider the consequences of the action that comes with taking another’s life.
The argument that video games inherently promote violence has been widely debunked. While there are certainly games that possess mature qualities like gore, drug abuse, and murder, these things can just as easily be found in any other medium of art. For example, Artemisia’s “Judith beheading Holofernes” depicts the gruesome details of decapitation as well as the practicalities and physical effort involved in such a task, yet it is still heralded as a fantastic piece of artwork.
It’s important to recognize the diversity within the medium. Just as the simple singularly painted canvas of Yves Klein’s “Blue Monochrome” painting can be celebrated in the art world alongside an intricate, impressive work such as the “The Last Supper”  then video games, with their complex amalgamation of artistic elements deserve the same recognition.
In conclusion, video games should be acknowledged as a form of art. They can offer immersive, interactive narratives that can enlighten, challenge, and entertain. Dismissing them from the art discourse overlooks a significant and evolving form of creative expression. As society’s understanding of art continues to grow, so should the appreciation for the artistic potential of video games.