Whether or not video games should be considered works of art has always been a controversial debate. I'm sure there have been many bar fights and bloody noses over the issue. However, the argument can finally be put to rest, at least in the United States, where the federal government now legally recognizes video games as an art form.

Last week the National Endowment for the Arts, which is responsible for deciding which artistic projects are worthy of receiving Federal funding, changed it's eligibility stipulations to include "interactive games." The NEA allows artists from around the United States to submit applications to the agency for works which will enhance the public good. The NEA then distributes grants that are worth up to $200,000 to artists who create outside of the commercial art world.

The category which was formerly known as The Arts on Radio and Television has now been changed to The Arts in Media. This new category retains previously recognized mediums by the NEA such as television and film, but expands the Federal reach to include interactive technologies and media delivered by satellite or internet. The official guidelines now read:

Projects may include high profile multi-part or single television and radio programs (documentaries and dramatic narratives); media created for theatrical release; performance programs; artistic segments for use within an existing series; multi-part webisodes; installations; and interactive games. Short films, five minutes and under, will be considered in packages of three or more.

This is an important step for independent developers and artists who want to make a game without selling their souls to a larger publisher. You aren't going to see the next Call of Duty receiving these grants. No, this funding will help the developer who wants to create a game, release it for free, and still maintain a relatively stable lifestyle. Including these "interactive games" in U.S. Federal funding is a major leap forward in the public recognition of an often under-recognized group of talented artists and creative minds. More so, the decision speaks volumes about where we are culturally and what may be considered "art" in 2011. [FY 2012 Arts in Media Guidelines]

Also posted on Bit Thirsty