Its a discussion that was brought up in the Game Career Guide by Game Developer magazine. The answer: Yes.
If films are considered art then I see no reason why some video games cannot qualify and Ill go further there is digital art that is not nearly as complex as video games that can be considered art.
So, while many games simply fall into a board game type of experience of moving from A to B to something else and these would not be considered art there is plenty of popular art that isnt very good either and not nearly as fun, or moving as a video game.
Video games are a collaborative form of artwork again, when the elements of storytelling, compelling imagery, music, sound effects, digital art and control components come together to offer a moving experience, we have the conditions for art. Good art moves the viewer she experiences something
and Im sure as video games evolve and blend with the experience of a film and tug at our emotions their status will be elevated to art.
I remember presenting my case for the weaving of video games and film over three years ago to a friend in film promotion in Hong Kong. I thought the storytelling experience could be enhanced, there could still be a traditional film to represent the directors vision, but there could be more to experience for the viewer in another format making it more of a personal experience. One persons choices within the format may shape the experience differently than another. So, while my friend had experience in film festivals, film studies classes, promotion, and also in setting up some art exhibits, and then moving further into the art world she never expressed much interest in the potential of the digital medium. But like a lot of folks who arent enthusiastic about the concept of digital compositions being given art status Id say the biggest holdup is that collectively, most of us havent seen anything that really moves us within the digital domain, but Im confident it will emerge. And then it will be a lot easier to call video games or video art art, even if it has to be mixed with traditional art to achieve that status.
Update: August 18th if you would like to
