How Games are Art

Note: A very slightly extended version - with larger images and a few of Dutton's explanatory quotes - is up at my personal blog.

In 2009, aesthetician Denis Dutton wrote The Art Instinct. There, aiming for something inclusive and objective, he outlined twelve cross-cultural criteria for art. I like Dutton for his mix of accessibility and intellect, so use his criteria as a starting line in the search for a language of the aesthetic experience.

1. Direct Pleasure

2. Skill & Virtuosity

Some creators:

Levine

Blow

Anthropy

Chung

3. Style

4. Novelty & Creativity

5. Criticism

Some critics:

Bissell

McGonigal

Hernandez

Ebert

Bogost

6. Representation

7. Special Focus

8. Expressive Individuality

9. Emotional Saturation

10. Intellectual Challenge

11. Art Traditions & Institutions

12. Imaginative Experience

That’s how some games are already art, and how others might get better.