The Art of Video Games

Video games seem to generally be cast in a negative light in the eyes of the media and adults. They’re portrayed as nothing but an addiction, perpetrator of violence, or a general bad habit. Video games seem to always be generalized as the typical generic first person multiplayer shooters, disregarding any other game in the medium. We’re told that they’re a waste of time. I couldn’t disagree more.For one thing, video games can be a quality way to spend time with friends. A classic Exeter example is Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. found in many dorm basements. This casual fighting game is easy to pick up or enjoy. Even if you don’t play the game, it’s still entertaining to watch your friends writhe after falling off the “big blue” stage or getting zapped by Pikachu once again. Aside from Super Smash, many other games such as Minecraft or Team Fortress 2 offer multiplayer interactions that allow or force people to work together or battle against each other. The typical response to this is that socialization with your friends through video games is not “quality socialization.” I have many good memories of playing games with my friends and getting to know someone through playing video games. If anything, games offer more socialization than watching a movie, considering that interaction between players is required in most multiplayer games.Also, studies have shown that even thirty minutes of gameplay can relieve stress. This can be done through nearly any type of game, depending on what stresses you out. Video games are immersive and let you escape from your daily troubles. Feeling frustrated? Relieve it through Left for Dead 2 by shooting zombies. Feeling sad? Play an upbeat colorful game like Scribblenauts or feel powerful by creating an empire through the Civilization series. There are literally hundreds of titles to choose from. Your hands, eyes, and ears have to be active--meaning you can’t just mindlessly play, the way you might watch a movie. Personally, I find video games with a good art style and soundtrack an effective way to unwind if I’m tense.People ignore that games are a medium for socialization and expression, just like any other form of art or entertainment. I think this is neglected because the games that get the most media attention and are most prominently played are the same generic ones that don’t show a ton of artistic or storytelling elements that video games have the capacity to display. Games are immersive, meaning everything from the gameplay, story, art, and soundtrack contribute towards fully engaging the user. When I played Bioshock Infinite earlier this year, a game set in an alternate 1912, not only was I enjoying the gameplay, I was also admiring the soundtrack, the old-timey commercials that decorated the levels, the intriguing storyline, and the stunning graphics. Simply put, games can be art in every respect. They can convey emotion or art through the level design, plot, and aesthetic details. If you have trouble believing that, then maybe you haven’t played the right video games.Video games can be medium for social interaction, stress relief, and art. I admit there are lots of unsavory parts in some video games, and this industry and medium still has a lot of room to grow and improve. But instead of being close-minded and only paying attention to the derogatory comments on XBOX Live, we should celebrate good aspects of video games that tend to get ignored. Video games as a media form are not even 100 years old, but they are already affecting American culture. It’s important not to let video games get in the way of the rest of your life, but remember there’s nothing wrong with playing a game every now and then.