While video games are often seen as a form of entertainment, some titles transcend the medium and establish themselves as works of art. Combining breathtaking visuals, evocative storytelling, and emotional depth, these games prove that interactive experiences can be as impactful as a painting or a film. Here are six modern video games that blur the lines between gaming and art.

1. Journey

Few games embody the concept of interactive art as profoundly as Journey. Developed by Thatgamecompany, this 2012 masterpiece is a meditation on life, connection, and perseverance. Journey tells its story without a single word, relying instead on stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful musical score to convey emotion.

Players control a cloaked figure traveling through an expansive desert toward a distant, glowing mountain. Along the way, you'll slide down golden sand dunes, explore ancient ruins, and solve simple puzzles. Occasionally, you’ll encounter other players—anonymous wanderers who can help guide you without any means of verbal communication.

What makes Journey truly remarkable is its ability to evoke deep poignancy through simplicity. By the time you reach the mountain, you’ll have experienced a flood of emotions—hope, loss, and wonder—that linger long after the credits roll.

2. Gris

If a watercolor painting could come to life, it would look like Gris. Developed by Nomada Studio, this 2018 platformer is a visual feast, featuring hand-drawn artwork that feels straight out of an artist’s sketchbook. Every frame of Gris looks like it belongs on a gallery wall.

The game follows the story of a young woman grappling with grief, represented through a starkly changing world. Initially, the world is muted and gray, but as you progress, colors like red, green, and blue slowly bleed into the environment, symbolizing the protagonist’s emotional healing.

Beyond visual design, Gris also explores themes of resilience and recovery. Its minimalistic gameplay complements its narrative beautifully, letting the artistry take center stage. It’s a serene, introspective experience that feels like a quiet ode to the human spirit.

3. The Last of Us Part II

Interactive storytelling reaches new heights with The Last of Us Part II. Naughty Dog’s 2020 sequel is more than just a blockbuster game—it is a harrowing exploration of morality, revenge, and the human condition.

The game’s photorealistic graphics set the stage for its gut-wrenching narrative. Its settings range from decaying urban landscapes to lush forests, all rendered with incredible attention to detail. The characters, too, are brought to life with such remarkable animation and voice acting that they feel eerily real.

What truly elevates The Last of Us Part II, though, is its willingness to challenge players emotionally. It forces you to see the consequences of violence and question the motivations of its protagonists, creating an experience that is both beautiful and deeply unsettling.

4. Hollow Knight

Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight stands as a shining example of how 2D design can be just as artful and immersive as cutting-edge 3D graphics. Released in 2017, this indie hit is set in Hallownest, a hauntingly beautiful underground kingdom inhabited by insect-like creatures.

The hand-drawn art style is both intricate and atmospheric, combining gothic architecture with eerie, shadowy landscapes. The world-building is equally impressive, with subtle environmental storytelling that invites players to unravel the kingdom’s tragic history.

The orchestral score complements the visuals perfectly, creating a sense of awe and melancholy as you explore Hallownest’s labyrinthine depths. Whether you’re marveling at the glow of bioluminescent caverns or battling a beautifully animated boss, Hollow Knight excels at turning every moment into a work of art.

5. What Remains of Edith Finch

Some games tell their stories through dialogue or action, but What Remains of Edith Finch weaves its tale through exploration and discovery. Developed by Giant Sparrow, this 2017 title is often described as a playable short story—and a deeply moving one at that.

The game follows Edith Finch as she returns to her family’s eerie, labyrinthine home to uncover the secrets of her relatives’ tragic pasts. Each family member’s story unfolds as a surreal vignette, with gameplay mechanics that shift to match the narrative. For example, one chapter has you navigating a dreamlike ocean as a hunter disassociates from his monotonous factory job.

The game’s striking visual design and its ability to evoke powerful emotions make it a standout. What Remains of Edith Finch proves that games can be as poignant and introspective as any great novel.

6. Death Stranding

Few games have sparked as much artistic debate as Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding. Released in 2019, this post-apocalyptic adventure is set in a fractured world where humanity has been isolated by supernatural forces. Players take on the role of Sam Porter Bridges, a deliveryman tasked with reconnecting scattered survivors.

Visually, Death Stranding is nothing short of breathtaking, with hyper-realistic landscapes inspired by Iceland’s otherworldly terrain. Snow-capped mountains, vast plains, and crystalline beaches form the backdrop for a story that’s just as intricate as the environments.

The brilliance of Death Stranding lies in its exploration of human connection and loneliness. Its gameplay—centered on delivering packages and rebuilding infrastructure—might sound mundane, but it’s a metaphor for holding society together. Backed by a haunting score, the entire experience feels like a contemplative work of art, pushing the boundaries of what a game can be.