My partner thinks videogames cannot be art. I told her we gotta play 3 games before she can say something like this.
She likes literature, theater, paints, poetry, detective/case solving TV, fantasy is also good/ok.
I've only got these chances. What should she play?
Would really appreciate your recommendations!
For a more "technical" argument how gameplay mechanics can be a unique way to deliver an emotion to the player (arguably a major part in the role of art): Brothers: A Tale of two Sons. You'd have to make sure that she finishes it, though (estimate: ~3h).
Two trippy games that defy categorization (but won't be good examples for someone not willing to learn mechanics/logic in depth): Thumper and Cocoon.
If she is a fan of detective stories, then you wish to look into L.A. Noire or Shadows of Doubt.
Ori and the Blind Forest
Jusant or Tiny Glade have a distinct look.
Edit: Not art but for two player games, try Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, Untitled Goose Game, or Trine.
These puzzle games are all very distinctive and beautiful in my opinion:
- Limbo - Manifold Garden - Monument Valley
I think on its face the question “can video games be art?” Is both absurd and obviously answered. The question are their games your partner will enjoy playing and want to spend time on is obviously totally different.
Also, Pathologic 2 [1] (probably, if you have more fortitude than me, maybe the original or HD remaster are of value [2]).
All the best,
-HG
[0] https://www.gog.com/en/game/kentucky_route_zero
By the way, Pathologic 3 will release beginning of 2026!
From Miriam-Webster: "Art, meaning n.4: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects". https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/art
Aesthetics: a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and with the creation and appreciation of beauty.
So as long as anyone finds beauty in it, and it's consciously made with skills and creative imagination, it's art.
PS: Please post the result of the competition :D
If she says no she has no idea what art is, apparently. Or there is no actual concept what constitutes as art and what doesn't. ;)
*https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/nov/21/maurizi...
Otherwise, show her Mario Paint and MAKE some art :)
It's fun to be consider a game, but it had a very strong message.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/368730/No_Time_To_Explain...
Frankly, they're both great. I think I have more of an affinity to Portal 1, not because it's "better", but because it was first. That was a very distinct moment in my memory when the game mechanics "click" at the beginning, and you realize what's going on and there's no other game world like it.
Elder Scrolls (Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim) and Soulsborne (Demons Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Elden Ring) games both have lots of mysterious lore and fantasy elements. Maybe the lore videos would help her appreciate the art? Lore videos could also pique her interest in a video game without her actually having to play it, which could be a gateway to eventually getting a contoller into her hands.
> literature, ... poetry
Charred Thermos put together a well-researched theory explaining the lore of Bloodborne is based on history, poetry, and literature from Victorian-era Edinburgh in Scotland. Bloodborne has feminine (child birth, menstration). I'd caution against it if she's squeamish because it is a bloody (good) game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkNVKkYpgVU&list=PLon6Mvsc0M...
Elden Ring in particular has tons of lore and this is partly due to George R. R. Matin, author of Game of Thrones, working with Fromsoftware to develop the lore foundations of the game. To get an idea of this, here's VattyVidya 13 hour playlist of quality lore videos on Elden Ring:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYDs_Inzkz4&list=PLWLedd0Zw3...
Additionally, I can recommend what is possibly the most in-depth lore/mystery videos about Elden Ring, by Tarnished Archaeologist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrxAMoEujZss9Vez20A3b...
Elder Scrolls games, particularly Skyrim, also have significant lore and mysteries she may enjoy. It's much easier to digest than Soulsborne lore. See these examples by EpicNate315:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibf642CCf20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KzooXHOyRg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baQfeYJJkWY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gya8eIorwN8
If she's very new to games and wants something aesthetically pleasing, then the best experience might be exploring the wilderness of Skyrim while following interesting quests. Oblivion is an older game that also does this well on a smaller scale. Morrowind feels quite old and may not be her cup of tea, but some players like that the exploration is much more self-directed.
The Soulsborne games are all relatively hard but rewarding in their own way. For anyone who likes mysteries, they'll appreciate that all Soulsborne games do not directly explain the lore very much, and it's up to the player to figure things out. Demons Souls and Dark Souls are great, but lore-wise, Elden Ring and Bloodborne are the best. Bloodborne is shorter and self-contained, while Elden Ring has many questlines that a player can choose to follow. Following the questlines of NPCs is a rewarding experience.
Personally I wish I could convince my fiancee to play some video games because I imagine it would be valuable to share the same meaningful experiences that come with great moments in games. Her reasons aren't that the games lack artistry, but the games themselves are too scary for her. I just have to accept she has different tasts and hope maybe one day a non-scary / violent video game will be interesting to us both.
I don't know if you enjoy such games, but I also found here on HN some 2 player games like It takes two. Perhaps she would enjoy it? The story itself is not my cup of tea but I still think the game is great.