The Cultural Impact of Video Games as Art

Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture.

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Image Source: Daniel Benavides

More Than Just a Game

Once dismissed as mindless entertainment, video games have evolved into powerful works of art. With breathtaking visuals, cinematic storytelling, and emotionally immersive gameplay, gaming now stands alongside film, music, and literature as a true artistic medium.

From the haunting beauty of Journey to the gritty realism of Red Dead Redemption 2, modern games prove that art isn’t just seen—it’s experienced.

The Rise of Storytelling in Gaming

Great stories don’t just belong in books or movies—they thrive in games.

Games That Changed Storytelling:

• The Last of Us – A heartbreaking father-daughter journey filled with emotional depth.

• Red Dead Redemption 2 – A gripping tale of loyalty, morality, and the fall of the Old West.

• Journey – A silent, artistic masterpiece that conveys emotions without a single word.

These games immerse players in their worlds in ways no other medium can—because YOU control the choices, the emotions, and the fate of the characters.

Gaming: The Perfect Fusion of Art & Technology

Visual storytelling reached new heights with gaming. Developers blend technology with artistic vision to create stunning masterpieces.

Artistic Masterpieces in Gaming:

• Gris – Like a moving watercolor painting, every frame is hand-drawn magic.

• Hollow Knight – Dark, eerie, yet beautifully animated—pure gothic artistry.

• Monument Valley – Architecture meets surreal dreamscapes in mind-bending puzzles.

Indie developers push boundaries, proving that gaming is where digital art thrives!

Music & Soundtracks: Gaming’s Emotional Core

Great video games don’t just look amazing—they sound amazing too.

Legendary Video Game Composers:

• Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy) – His orchestral scores rival Hollywood epics.

• Gustavo Santaolalla (The Last of Us) – His haunting melodies are pure emotion.

• Jesper Kyd (Assassin’s Creed) – Creates atmospheric soundtracks that feel alive.

Gaming creates entire worlds through music—just like film, but interactive!

Video Games as Social & Political Commentary

Like books and movies, gaming has become a platform for deep social themes.

Games That Made a Statement:

• Bioshock – A dark exploration of capitalism and dystopian ideology.

• Papers, Please – A harrowing look at immigration and government control.

• Detroit: Become Human – AI and humanity’s ethical struggles in a futuristic world.

Gaming isn’t just fun—it’s a mirror reflecting society, pushing players to think, feel, and question the world around them.

The Future of Video Games as Art

Gaming has undeniably crossed into art—with innovation, storytelling, and raw emotion.

Video games aren’t just entertainment—they’re expressions of creativity, culture, and human experience. And with technology evolving, who knows what gaming will look like in 10 years?

One thing’s for sure: it will continue to inspire, challenge, and redefine the limits of art.