Video Games Blog Post

A video game, as defined by Wikipedia,is “an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device such as a TV screen or computer monitor.”  While this definition does an adequate job of describing video games on the surface level; there is so much more depth when it comes to the world of video games. Video games can be meaningful works of art that can serve to engage, entertain, and compel the player to feel a range of emotions similar to film, or literature. One such example of a game that can have an emotional effect on the player is That Dragon Cancer.  This game takes the player on a journey in dealing with the approaching loss of a child that suffers from a terminal illness. The game can take the player on a emotional roller-coaster that conveys the pain of loss, as well as the joys that a child  can bring to parents, and the world.  Many people have a simplistic, and malformed view of the true depth that video games, similar to That Dragon Cancer, can have as an art form. Video games can be just as compelling as watching a film, and just as meaningful as reading a good book.  Although video games can exhibit emotional depth and range though well done game play and story, there are also practical examples of how video games can shape the mind.

Furthermore, in the modern world video games are very popular among people of all ages, but some might pose the question, what are video games really ? Forgoing the obvious answer , that they are games with video (or in a virtual space). Instead, this will focus on a bigger question, what can video games do for people ? Many have suggested that video games make people dumber, while this view may be popular, it appears to be false, this from Psychology Today “A new study has found that video gaming can stimulate neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) and connectivity in the brain regions responsible for spatial orientation, memory formation and strategic planning, as well as, fine motor skills. Brain volume was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).”  This clearly demonstrates that video games can help people improve their daily lives.  Playing video games can help with school because as this quote suggests, they can improve strategic planning, which is a skill that is extremely important in classes such as math. This skill is also essential if one wants to have a successful career. Video games not only help make us smarter, but they can be viewed as independent pieces of art and literature.

Games are a combination of art, literature, and film intertwined into one. Video games can be seen as digital art because there is a lot of work, and meaning that goes into making the game enjoyable and presentable. A video game with bad graphics or lacking story is not going to receive good reviews, and will not attract the attention of  players. Along with that, video games are not video games without game play. Players would not have an enjoyable time if there was not compelling game play to be experienced. Film-like elements are also incorporated into video games because without influences from film video games today would be fundamentally different. Film elements are placed in games to make them more realistic, and entertaining. Games are sometimes looked down upon, but they are works of art. The Game Awards appreciates the best types of video games every year and has nominations such as Best Narrative and Best Art Direction. Video games are celebrated by many, but should be appreciated more because there are so many aspects put into one work that is specifically for enjoyment.