First of all, let me state for the record that I've been in the business of making games (of all kinds) for more than 20 years. But to determine whether or not video games can be art, well, that's a bit more difficult. Because first, you have to define what is art and that's a question that has occupied the world's greatest philosphers for centuries. Here's the answer as I see it. Art is something created by one individual as a message for others - something to get them to reflect upon themselves and the world they occupy. By that standard, yes, videogames can be art. But so can just about anything else, such as a men's urinal. But most of the time, games are not art - they are simply games - a means of entertainment. Just like watching a football game is entertaining. Even playing one with your friends. But even while some people may find beauty in the game, the intent of the players is not to create art - just to have fun. So I can understand where Mr. Ebert is coming from. As for art, well, I know what I like.
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