“The audiences for Video Games Live concerts are atypical of the usual orchestra crowd, and for the usual orchestra crowd, Video Games Live is an atypical concert, synthesizing a full orchestra, chorus, lights, video and even playable games in its performances. From classic favorites such as The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Final Fantasy and Tron to newer crowd-pleasers such as BioShock, Gears of War and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the group provides a unique concert experience.” —Zoë DiGiorgio

Since the release of the first successful arcade game, PONG, in 1972, there has been a hotly debated question: Are video games art?

Some are reluctant to see video games as anything other than pointless time-wasters and gory shoot-em-ups. Scholars, critics, artists and, of course, gamers have all taken turns sharing their two cents — or, in this case, quarters — in the debate. In 2005, film critic Roger Ebert even famously denounced the possibility of video games ever being considered art. However, the musicians behind Video Games Live see it another way.

A fusion of orchestra music, stage spectacle and gaming, Video Games Live is committed to the mission of bringing video game music to the masses. The group released its third album of orchestrated video game music, “Video Games Live: Level 3,” on Tuesday after receiving more than $285,000 from its KickStarter fundraiser last year. The album features tracks from Dota 2, Street Fighter II, Pokémon and more. However, the group is better known for its touring concert series, which often sells out venues around the world.

Founded in 2002 by video game composers Tommy Tallarico (Sonic and the Black Knight) and Jack Wall (Lost Planet 3), Video Games Live’s inaugural show took place in 2005. 

The audiences for Video Games Live concerts are atypical of the usual orchestra crowd, and for the usual orchestra crowd, Video Games Live is an atypical concert, synthesizing a full orchestra, chorus, lights, video and even playable games in its performances. From classic favorites such as The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Final Fantasy and Tron to newer crowd-pleasers such as BioShock, Gears of War and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the group provides a unique concert experience.

Beyond an interesting show and spiffy set list, Video Games Live has also changed the way people look at video games through the transformative power of music. Songs from “Level 3” are taken both from big-name franchises such as World of Warcraft and smaller, independent games such as Journey. Some pieces sound operatic while others would feel at home on a rock album.

Though video games might get a bad rap in the media, labeled as either “senseless” or the cause of various acts of violence, Video Games Live showcases the power this particular kind of music has to unite people around the world. The moods of the songs range from suspenseful and action-packed to triumphant and heartwarming. Fans of gaming both young and old connect with the nostalgic themes, which transport the listener back to the experience of first going on an adventure alongside the game heroes.

The music of Video Games Live reminds gamers why they love their favorite games, while challenging those who doubt the artistic merit of video games.

After all, there is more to video games than some blinking lights and beeping.