Video Game Design as Art

by Alex Russel
alex.russel@computeranimationschoolreview.com
Computer Animations School Review Columnist

Video game design school shouldn't be seen as simply a way to enter an exciting field. Increasingly, video game design is viewed as an art form and video game design school can therefore be compared to art school.

When computer design programs first started popping up, they were most often part of art school. This is still merited as video game design schools start to emerge. More and more people are treating video game design specifically as an art.

Video Game Design as Art

For those already familiar with video game design, this comes as a no-brainer. Video game designers have long looked to one another's work as all artists look on their peers. There's always been a tinge of admiration, rivalry, and education when one video game designer interacts with another.

To people outside of video game design, this artistic quality to game design is completely missed. Isn't video game design just fun and games, something teenage boys do to pass the time?

Video Game Design Exhibitions

Not so, and there are exhibitions to prove it. Art curators are commonly present video game inspired works in established Los Angeles or Silicon Valley art galleries. These exhibitions come with all the trimmings, including a vernissage (wine and cheese will be served), art collectors, and art critics.

This is something that Roger Ebert probably wishes he knew more about, writes the Washington Post. Recently Ebert wrote on his Web site that video game design paled as an art form in comparison to literature and film. Needless to say, legions of video game designers responded in a fury.

Video Game Design Schools Know Better

Video game design schools know better. Most of the classes offered at video game design schools have a lot in common with their art-school brethren. Works are critiqued by professors and peers and often exhibited on school Web sites or in public displays.

Maybe the schools, as well as the art galleries, should put Roger Ebert on their next guest list.

Sources
Washington Post
CNET
Kotaku.com

About the Author
Alex Russel is a freelance media writer living in Brooklyn

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