When we think about culture, our minds typically drift to fine art, theatre, classical music, and other longstanding traditions that have defined human creativity for centuries. But today, where technology and digital experiences are increasingly shaping how we live, could video games be the cultural cornerstone of future generations? Could they eventually replace traditional forms of culture, like literature or theatre, as the main creative outlet for a generation that grew up on iPads?
Video Games: An Emerging Cultural Force
Over the past few decades, video games have developed into more than just a form of entertainment. With complex narratives, beautiful visuals, and interactive experiences, games like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have shown how gaming can be as emotionally resonant as any film or book. And it’s not just the stories — the scale of these games and the ability to interact with a virtual world create an experience that passive mediums like theater or art simply can’t replicate.
Games like Fortnite are a prime example of how video games have become a cultural space in their own right. What started as a battle royale game has grown into a hangout. Players attend live concerts, watch in-game events, and hang out with friends, all within the game. It shows how video games are not just an entertainment medium, but a form of socialising, cultural expression, and even artistry.
The Shift in How We Connect and Share Culture
For the younger generation, video games have already become an essential part of culture. Platforms like Twitch, where people watch others play games and discuss them, or Discord communities, where players engage with each other around specific games or gaming culture, are integral to the social lives of millions. The ease of access to these platforms — often without leaving home — means that gaming has replaced other forms of interaction like going to the movies or attending theatre performances for many.
Look at how Fortnite has become an event space. Players are logging in to witness virtual concerts or spending their Fortnite gift card balance to participate in crossovers like Star Wars. These in-game events have taken on a cultural significance for players, much like a concert or a film premiere would for a moviegoer.
Gaming vs. Traditional Art Forms
Traditional forms of culture — fine art, theatre, and even literature — still play an important role, but video games are arguably where culture is shifting. Scorsese’s comments about the decline of cinema and the dominance of franchise-based films show how traditional art forms may not resonate with younger generations in the same way. People are not as interested in consuming content that’s static, such as movies or theater. They want experiences that feel dynamic and interactive.
In contrast, video games are inherently participatory. Players are active participants in the narrative, choosing outcomes and affecting the game world. This shift from passive observation to active participation is a key reason why video games are being embraced as the next cultural medium.
Can Video Games Replace Fine Art and Theater?
It’s hard to say whether video games will fully replace fine art or theatre, but they are undoubtedly becoming central to the cultural landscape. Games like Fortnite are transforming how the youngest generations socialise, and games like The Last of Us are pushing the boundaries of storytelling. For iPad kids, who grew up on brainrot content, video games may be the only art form that can keep up with their declining attention spans and hold any significant value.
With interactivity and personal engagement becoming the main focus, video games fit perfectly into the way people want to experience culture. For some, the best way to engage with art or entertainment is through an immersive, interactive world — and video games offer that.
The Growing Influence of Gaming
Video games are already changing how people engage with culture. They bring together elements of storytelling, socializing, and artistic expression that resonate deeply with today’s generation.
Video games are becoming a window into a new cultural landscape where the lines between entertainment, art, and social interaction continuously blur — and where even access to that culture is shaped by digital marketplaces like Eneba, where players casually pick up codes, credits, and game time the way previous generations bought movie tickets or CDs.
