This is a list of video games considered to be works of art by art critics and video game reviewers. Although several countries offer legal protections to video games which are similar or identical to protections offered to other artistic works, and although by this standard all video games can be considered as art, this article lists games that have been specifically identified by art critics and video game reviewers as works of art. The term "art game" as used in reference to a distinct genre of video games was first used academically in 2002. This list does not include visual novels, which are considered an independent art form within the video game industry.[1]