As a film student immersed in the world of visual storytelling, I often find myself contemplating the diverse forms of artistic expression that captivate our modern society. However, one medium that continues to elude mainstream recognition as a legitimate form of art is video games. Despite their immense popularity and cultural impact, video games are frequently dismissed or overlooked in discussions about art, particularly in comparison to film and television. In this blog post, I aim to delve into this issue and shed light on the artistic merit of video games from the perspective of a film enthusiast.
Firstly, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the perception of art is subjective and evolves over time. Just as early cinema faced skepticism from traditional art circles, video games are currently navigating similar challenges in gaining acceptance as an art form. One of the primary arguments against considering video games as art often revolves around the misconception that they are solely for entertainment purposes. However, this narrow view overlooks the intricate craftsmanship, storytelling depth, and emotional resonance that many video games offer.
One of the most compelling aspects of video games as an artistic medium is their ability to engage the audience on multiple levels. Unlike passive forms of media like film and television, video games invite players to actively participate in shaping the narrative and experiencing the story firsthand. This interactive element not only immerses players in richly detailed virtual worlds but also allows for personalized experiences and emotional connections that are unique to each individual.
Furthermore, video games showcase impressive technical prowess and artistic vision through their graphics, sound design, and gameplay mechanics. From visually stunning landscapes to intricately designed characters and immersive soundscapes, video games demonstrate a level of creativity and attention to detail that rivals any traditional art form. The evolution of technology has also played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in video game artistry, with advancements in graphics rendering, motion capture, and virtual reality enhancing the immersive experience for players.
Another crucial aspect of video games as an art form is their potential for storytelling and thematic exploration. Many video games tackle complex narratives, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical themes with the depth and sophistication of acclaimed films and novels. Games like “The Last of Us,” “God of War,” and “Bioshock” have garnered critical acclaim not only for their gameplay mechanics but also for their profound storytelling and emotional impact on players. These narratives often transcend mere entertainment, offering thought-provoking reflections on human nature, society, and the human condition.
Moreover, video games provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard and represented. Independent game developers have been instrumental in pushing boundaries and exploring new narratives that challenge conventional norms and stereotypes. This democratization of storytelling allows for a more inclusive and varied artistic landscape within the gaming industry, fostering creativity and innovation.
Despite these compelling arguments for the artistic value of video games, the lingering stigma persists, preventing them from receiving the same level of recognition and respect as traditional art forms. One possible explanation for this disparity is the perception gap between generations. Older generations, who may not have grown up with video games, often struggle to appreciate their artistic merits, viewing them as mere child’s play or mindless entertainment.
Additionally, the commercial nature of the video game industry, with its focus on profit-driven blockbuster titles, can sometimes overshadow smaller, more experimental projects that push artistic boundaries. This emphasis on commercial success can perpetuate stereotypes about video games being shallow or lacking artistic depth.
On that note, I would love to recommend some games with incredible storytelling that college gamers with similar tastes as mine would enjoy:
The Banner Saga Trilogy
As long as we are making these blog posts, you guys will never hear me stop talking about these games. The story is as rich and deep as Game of Thrones, The Witcher, or any of these modern fantasy stories being told in modern media. The way that it differs is that you have agency in the story and in the condition of all the characters. As the leader of the caravan, you get to decide whether your group is willing to take on more people or coldly leave them in the dust. You decide if you want to leave food for the hungry travelers or if you get to deal with their attack when you deny them easy food. It is not a game that throws empty dialogue choices at you to create a false sense of player agency. Almost every choice you make for the caravan and each conversation you have will feel meaningful to your story. I was gripped the entirety of the way through, and I hope more people will play these games so that I can talk about them more.
Jedi Fallen Order/Survivor
I grew up a Star Wars fan and will forever call myself one, but recently the quality of Star Wars films and TV has been fluctuating significantly. The most recent trilogy had some really impressive visuals and wonderful acting performances but fell flat in respecting the story that the 6 movies preceding them had told. The Mandalorian is an awesome character, Grogu was a genius move to sell toys and drive moms on Facebook crazy, and it does a great job tying together a lot of the sloppy plotlines created by the sequel trilogy. I have not watched Andor yet, but I have heard that it is some of the best Star Wars to come out in years. All of this aside, The Jedi games (I think that is what they are calling the series) have been two of my favorite pieces of Star Wars media to ever come out. Fallen Order created an incredible, yet fairly traditional adventure that was very refreshing in a market that at the time was running dry. The fun, yet challenging gameplay was the cherry on top that created an incredible piece of art. Jedi Survivor’s story was so different than the first. It was dramatic, and emotional on another 2 or 3 levels higher. It is a story about anger and betrayal. There are moments in this game that gave me feelings that resembled those I felt when Darth Vader revealed that he was Luke’s father. Since I, as a player, was in control of the protagonist, it was very easy to put myself in his shoes and empathize with his story. If you like Star Wars or if you are a fan of Soulslike games, go play these!
Dead Space
When you think of horror games, I am sure you are imagining games full of cheap jump scares and loud music to earn a quick buck off Twitch streamers. Dead Space has these scares and that music, but it earns each one. The game starts off as a fairly generic sci-fi horror story, akin to the Alien franchise. As the game goes on, you find audio logs and text documents that slowly reveal what is really happening on board that space station and it is brilliant. The environmental storytelling in this game is unlike any other that I have played. The original game came out in 2008, but it has aged very well and still feels very good to play. However, there was a remake that came out recently and it is remarkable. It changed some of the levels slightly, but the vibe and love of the original is still there. The graphics are insane and the Necromorphs are more terrifying than ever. If you cannot handle gore or scares, please do not play this game. If these are things you enjoy, go right ahead.
Final Fantasy XIV
I have something to admit. This was the first video game to ever make me cry. The story is very long, so if you don’t have a lot of free time, don’t play it. Over the course of the dozens of hours that it takes to beat this game, you grow very attached to the cast of characters through the lens of Noctis. Prompto, Gladiolus, and Ignis begin to feel like your brothers. The dialogue and the story can be goofy at times, but that tends to be the nature of a lot of Japanese games and it adds to the charm of the game significantly. The story is fairly linear from what I can remember, but there are loads of fun side quests to do as well so you never feel bogged down by the sheer weight of the main missions. I do not replay story games very often, but this is one that I often consider going back and revisiting because I hold a place in my heart for it. This is a bit personal, but I love my friends very much. One of this game’s main themes is the brotherhood that comes from lifelong friendships, and it hits so hard for me. If you love your friends, go play this game.
