Depends on what your definition of art is, really. The whole "are videogames art" argument is really a debate over what can universally be regarded as "art", which, probably close to nothing can. One can say videogames aren't art and movies are, but does that mean "Bio-Dome" is art and "Flower" isn't?

My personal definition of art is "Something created by a person or persons that illicit emotions among one who experiences it." Under this definition, I'd definitely say videogames can be art. But that's just me. If a person has never been emotionally moved by a videogame, they may say it's not art. But what's not art to them may be art to someone else.

At the end of the day, it's all about semantics. Some of the most enjoyable, visceral moments of my life (beating Gannon, knocking out Mike Tyson, etc.) came from playing videogames. That is what art is to me. If someone disagrees, it doesn't make those experiences less powerful.

No they aren't art.

Tell your girlfriend to tell her teacher that she/he has no IDEA what art is otherwise the teacher wouldn't be a teacher but a successful ARTIST (like Picasso etc)

I mean how much ART did the teacher make so far? Is anything inside a well known museum? Does the teacher have a wikipedia entry? (even idiots get one its not that hard).

You know those jury members in "America's next top model" that actually have nothing to do with modeling the jury members in music shows that are actually models/ tv show hosts or other VUPs? (very unimportant people) that dont even know what rythm is etc?

Applies to 99% of the teachers.

I am not an artist and could careless if anyone considers video games art or not. But I do think the guys who create games should be recognized for the professional artist they are and not looked down upon by certain artist/professors

Sure they are, but I hate it when a game tries to go beyond that and sacrifice gameplay for that. Journey is a good example of that, the game looks gorgeous but I felt no fun playing that game.

I am not sure honestly, he used to work for Southern Miss ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Southern_Mississippi ) but he decided to come to my current college for what ever reason. I can not even remember his name right now (I will ask my GF when she gets out of class in a couple hours)

I loved every bit of Journey, brillant game in my opinion

I won't deny it's beautiful but the "gameplay" was boring.

Even the definition of 'Art' means that games are 'art'. However I think what he means like if it's considered art (like it could be exhibited, even that doesn't make sense).

I'm sure whatever music is produced by Jason Derulo is art but it's not Beethoven's Symphony No5.
I can paint a picture, it is art but it's not a Dali masterpeice.

Of course he's wrong and should be made to realise this truth, his words could be insulting to an aspiring writer, designer or musician who just happens to try to get into the games industry.

That teacher needs to see these two games.