Are games art??

The question of what is art has been asked for years. Music, movies and dance are all various types of an art form, but are videogames art? Some would say yes others no. It depends on what the criteria is for labeling it art. Certain games I would definitely classify as art, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, The Last of Us. These games change how we see and play them, the stories go beyond that of the run of the mill shooter or arcade title. Certain games transcend conventional pick up and play. Shadow of the Colossus for example has very limited dialogue and character interaction but the quest itself is exemplary. The story and direction the game takes is unlike anything else I've played in a long time. The games by Telltale are becoming more and more popular as they are more story driven and change depending on your choices. Heavy Rain, Beyond:Two Souls are another pair of games that are breaking the mold for future adventures. The graphical power of consoles today can really help shape a game from breathtaking vistas to real life facial animations, making us feel like a part of the game and really connecting with the characters and there struggles. In the older console generations this wasn't the case, the minimal power and limited designs didn't make things seem very real. Art is an expression, a freedom of speech and choice. Isn't this what gaming is all about? The decision to make whatever game the studios choose? I have compiled a short list of games that to me are perfect expressions of art in the gaming genre. All games can be considered art but these stand out to me as the cream of the crop. 12. Shadowgate 11. Red Dead Redemption 10. Final Fantasy 7 9. Alan Wake 8. Heavy Rain 7. Shadow of the Colossus 6. The Elder Scrolls 4:Oblivion 5. The Legend of Zelda:Ocarina of Time 4. Dark Souls 3. Indigo Prophecy 2. Fallout 3 1. Life is Strange Now I know lists will change and there will be disagreements as to why some of these games made the list or what made which number. To me these games all made me stop and realize I wasn't playing just a game but having an experience. I felt like I was there and cared about the characters and story. Many gamers have there favorites and cherish how certain games made them feel, this to me is the art form itself. People express themselves in many ways, to how they dress or act or what they listen to or even believe in. Some gamers only play a certain genre whether it's a rpg or shooter or sports title, these are all choices to express ourselves thru the art form. As the technology gets better and better, games will continue to push the envelope on different experiences and journeys. The art form of gaming is only beginning and I can't wait to see what's next. The Champ @jsquyres33