Task:
Each group will complete a full argumentative essay, including Introduction, Bodies, and Conclusion.

The Topic: “Video games have all been likened to fine art. Discuss whether it should be considered fine art, comparable to painting or sculpture.”

Group size:
Each group can have up to 5 members and remember to fill in all the members’ names in your group.

Scoring:

• The 3 fastest groups with the best - quality essays will receive 5 points.

• The remaining groups with satisfactory essays will receive 1 point.

Deadline: 7:00 PM, September 3, 2025.

After submission, you will receive detailed feedback from the teaching team.

One compelling reason video games should be recognized as fine art is their ability to synthesize diverse artistic forms into a single medium. Video games incorporate visual design, music, and storytelling, which are fundamental characteristics of traditional art. For example, Minecraft has been celebrated for its distinctive block-style visuals and the creative freedom it grants players to build entire worlds, which resembles the process of sculpting or architectural design. Critics may argue that video games are primarily commercial products and therefore cannot be classified as art. However, many traditional masterpieces, such as Renaissance paintings, were also created under commission and served economic purposes, yet they remain celebrated as fine art. Thus, the commercial aspect of video games does not diminish their artistic merit.

Another compelling reason video games should be considered fine art is their ability to influence culture and society on a global scale. Just as literature and cinema have shaped public imagination, video games have introduced new symbols, narratives, and even philosophies to entire generations. For example, Final Fantasy VII is not only admired for its graphics and music but also for its profound exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and environmental destruction, which have sparked discussions beyond the gaming community. Some critics argue that because video games often contain fantasy or unrealistic elements, they lack the seriousness of traditional art. However, many celebrated works, such as Shakespeare’s plays or surrealist paintings, also rely heavily on imagination, proving that fantasy can be a powerful tool for artistic expression.

In conclusion, video games possess the defining attributes of fine art, as they integrate aesthetic design, musical elements, and narrative structures to create meaningful experiences. With the continuous advancement of digital technology, it is foreseeable that video games will gain wider recognition as legitimate artistic works within both cultural institutions and academic discourse. To foster this recognition, scholars should engage in more rigorous analysis of games as art, while policymakers and educators are encouraged to incorporate video game studies into cultural and educational programs. Such efforts will not only enrich the appreciation of video games but also expand the modern understanding of art itself.