Are Video Games Art?

"Video Games Are Not Art", or so it is said.

Of course, this contention could be left well enough alone, and the video game industry would continue to make its yield – (an output that surpassed Hollywood’s gross income many Academy Award ceremonies ago). But should it be left alone, should it even matter who or what is artistic or what is art?

The author addresses the notion with a series of counter-attacks upon the common arguments and usual offenders who deny this status to the world's most lucrative form of entertainment. Addressing each of the typical criticisms of the artistic merit of games, "Are Video Games Art?" is a comprehensive deconstruction of these complaints, and provides sound, down-to-earth arguments for the positive position.

Re-issued with a new Afterword and update by the author: June 2013.