Starting Friday, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington will showcase more than 80 videogames in "The Art of Video Games, " one of the first major shows to explore the artistic power of the medium.

WSJ: A Museum Exhibit Shows Videogames in a New Light

While the question of "video games as art" sparks debate in some circles, game makers agree that raising the level of discussion to include the Smithsonian is a welcome event.

CNN: Smithsonian celebrates 'Art of Video Games'

Amy Hennig, creative director for the game, said the question of whether video games belong in an art museum is irrelevant.

CNN: Smithsonian celebrates 'Art of Video Games'

How can you argue that video games are art, when pieces of the story are cleaved out to be sold separately?

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