To go along with this tangent, video games can be seen as worthwhile art, and as much a reflection of humanity, etc. as any work of fiction, painting, or music.

There are PLENTY of bad examples, because it's a fledgling art, and there's far too much... corporate interest in the industry.

I'd recommend the Extra Credits videos on The Escapist. They have much to say on the subject, and can likely say it better than I can.