"Video Games: The Movie"

1. What are some of the reasons video games were successful? What makes a game popular?

The main reason video games were and are still successful is because it gives most people somewhere to escape to; immersive world for you to explore if you will.
Although games are everywhere nowadays only a select few games from each genre make it to the top. This is because ( I believe) only games with stunning graphics, relatable character models and smooth character movement designs, music befitting of the mood of the game, as well as many other traits that feed into the gameplay of the game. However the most important feature of a game that will raise it to the top is the ability of all its core characteristics (ex. graphics, music, designs, etc.) being able to work together without feeling unnatural.

 2. What are some of the reasons why the video game industry crashed in the 1980s?

Back in the 80s due to the surprising rise in popularity of video games many company threw out games rapidly that were quantity over quality. It was due to this rapid distribution of bad games that made "gamers" start to distrust the whole game industry. However the real "nail in the coffin" was Atari's ET which was named "the Worst Game of all Time."  This was due to it throwing you into the game without telling you your objective, lack of things to do in the game, and always falling in aggravating holes.

 3. Do you think video games are a form of art? Why or why not?

I believe video games are a form of art because the main objective of art is to use your own abilities to express an idea to entertain or instill something in others or even yourself.
Like theatre, games are a type of interactive storytelling this means like other forms of art (like music, dance, and theatre) video games uses the developer's (songwriter's, chorographer's, etc.) abilities to express and instill their feelings and creativeness in their game. While the player's (singer's, dancer's, etc.) uses his/her abilities and imagination paired with the resources that the developer gives the player to thoroughly immerse and entertain him/herself.
This is why I believe video games are a form of art.

4. What is the next evolution in video games? What are the challenges that need to be solved in the next generation of games?

I personally believe the next generation of games will either involve Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR). This is because new VR and AR systems (like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, etc.) are being built better then ever before with things like 2160 x 1200 pixel resolution, and VR screens only going up to 90Hz; its no wonder these devices may potentially become the future of gaming.
However, I also believe without a doubt that the traditional controller/keyboard&mouse style of gaming will also continue to thrive due to the variety of gamers and their individual taste.