Video game art

Video game art is a special kind of computer art that uses video games as its artistic medium. Artists might change or patch existing games, or they might build entirely new games from scratch. They can also create art by painting, making sculptures, or even performing inside virtual game worlds. This kind of art can be very creative and often lets players interact with the artwork in new and interesting ways.

Some famous examples of video game art include Cory Arcangel's Super Mario Clouds and I Shot Andy Warhol, where he changed classic games to make powerful statements. Another artist, Joseph DeLappe, created projects like "Dead in Iraq" and brought Gandhi’s famous march into the online world of Second Life. There are also games like "Every Day the Same Dream" by Paolo Pedercini from Molleindustria, and even playful art pieces like "Cowclicker" by Ian Bogost.

Artists often use special tools called level editors to change games, and some create moving pictures through a technique known as machinima. These artworks can be played alone or shared with others online, allowing many people to experience and create together. Video game art shows how games can be more than just fun—it can also be a powerful way to express ideas and tell stories.

Techniques

Main article: Machinima

Video game art uses many creative methods to make art. One way is called machinima, where artists use video game graphics to create animations. Artists can also change how games work to make statements or explore ideas, like adding messages in a game to talk about important topics.

Artists sometimes create special game changes that look like real places, helping us see how real life and virtual worlds are similar. Games can also be used in live performances, combining music and visuals in exciting ways. Some artists use games to create ever-changing artworks that look different each time you see them.