5 Games That Prove Video Games Are Art

Wait, what? That car-soccer game is number 1? What is this guy taking about? Yes yes, I know thats what you're thinking, but trust me on this one.

Rocket League doesn't convey interesting themes through level design like Ocarina of Time. It doesn't have the humor or world-building of Portal 2, nor does it comment on gaming as a whole like BioShock. Rocket League is just a solid game, and that's all it needs to be.

3 on 3 soccer with jumping, rocket powered cars. It may sound like a silly concept, but Rocket League is executed so well that it doesn't even matter. The controls are incredibly tight and easily accessible, the rules are fair and clear, and the graphics are vibrant and endearing. All of those aspects make Rocket League an incredibly engaging experience, which in turn leads to emotional investment.

Challenge and competition are at the heart of every video game. Players want games to be challenging because the greater the challenge, the greater the reward. Games do not need an intricate plot or compelling characters to earn emotional investment, though those are appreciated. The primary goal of every game is to challenge the player. It doesn't matter if its Rocket League, Portal 2, or Call of Duty; whenever you play a game you are investing time and energy to accomplish a certain goal.

Gaming is an inherently emotional experience. Whether players are motivated by competitiveness or a need to know what happens next in the story, they are investing in games.

Video games are expressions of human creative skill and imagination, and their beauty and emotional power should be appreciated. It doesn't matter if a game is as complex as Majora's Mask or as simple as Rocket League; if it grasps a players attention and dedication, it is a work of art.

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Which video games do you hold up as champions of the 'are games art?' debate? Let us know in the comments!