I think "fun" is too narrow a parameter by which to judge an infinite potential of output for a medium like games. The term "games" may itself be too restrictive for what can be done with this medium, which is part of the problem. It would be like if plays were lumped in with the term "sports" because they take place in an arena in front of an audience, as sports games do.
A good gauge of art is whether it can cause the audience to see the world differently, be it from their own altered perspective, or that of the artist's for a fleeting moment. Games are definitely capable of this, including many of those already mentioned in this thread. As just one example, playing The Sims gave me more awareness of how many tasks in my life I did (and hence how much time I spent) on auto-pilot. After playing I experienced a period where I was more aware and appreciative of the routine tasks in my life that I previously looked on as meritless routine. I'd say that's a palpably artistic impact.
Don't let Americans take too much credit; GTA3 was developed in Scotland (although financed by an American company), and the UK overall is experiencing a rough consolidation period in its game industry. Although I think certainly your point could largely be extended to much of North America and western Europe, with the possible exception of Germany, whose economy is more resembling Japan's these days.
Slashdot Mirror
I think "fun" is too narrow a parameter by which to judge an infinite potential of output for a medium like games. The term "games" may itself be too restrictive for what can be done with this medium, which is part of the problem. It would be like if plays were lumped in with the term "sports" because they take place in an arena in front of an audience, as sports games do.
A good gauge of art is whether it can cause the audience to see the world differently, be it from their own altered perspective, or that of the artist's for a fleeting moment. Games are definitely capable of this, including many of those already mentioned in this thread. As just one example, playing The Sims gave me more awareness of how many tasks in my life I did (and hence how much time I spent) on auto-pilot. After playing I experienced a period where I was more aware and appreciative of the routine tasks in my life that I previously looked on as meritless routine. I'd say that's a palpably artistic impact.
Don't let Americans take too much credit; GTA3 was developed in Scotland (although financed by an American company), and the UK overall is experiencing a rough consolidation period in its game industry. Although I think certainly your point could largely be extended to much of North America and western Europe, with the possible exception of Germany, whose economy is more resembling Japan's these days.