Is it reasonable to consider computer games as art?

a) How does Adams define art? Do you agree with his definition?

b) According to Adams, what is needed for videogames to be considered as art?


a) Adams says art lasts and could be purchased in galleries, be criticized by critics, and be conserved in museums. Defining art is not an easy job so Adams adds several points to give more details. He says art is a form of communication from the artist to viewer, has ideas and is able to make complex statements, has content and aesthetic, makes you feel things, and is not formulaic. Last but not least, art is not about being useful or be for sale.

Adam actually makes some good point, but for me, no defination could be made correctly when it is about to describe art. Art is so abstract and different to different people as they share different culture and interest, like the old saying goes "There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand people's eyes." I can't see the point of giving art a definition. No agreement will ever be made. It's pointless drawing a line between art and non-art. I mean, when I love an object very much and according to the definition of art I know this object is not an artwork, then nothing changes. I still hold my love to that object and feel happy when I own it, no matter it belongs to art or not. The distinguishing thing means little to me, so does everybody. So I guess I don't agree with Adams and won't agree with anyone who ever tried to give definition to art.

b)According to Adams, videogames need to consider aesthetic rather than just fun in order to be considered as art. Game developers should experiment with their medium, try new things and offer better games for players to challenge themselves and learn new things from the game. Sims does a great job at this point. The series of Sims take players to an almost-real world to experience a different life. Game Awards must turn from honoring only technological prowess to aesthetic contents to help make better stories. Games also need critics instead of reviewers to recognize artistic merit. Last but not least, the designers of games should receive adequate public recognition and treat themselves as artists. All of the above are ways for videogames to be part of an artwork.

I can't help wonder, why videogames on earth should be part of art? Is artist like Adam crazy and want to change everything into art? Why doesn't he bother to think of changing himeself to a masterpiece. Sometimes the thing is as simple as the fact that not everyone is that much into art, especially game players. So why bother?