An interesting point, but I think the precedent you’re setting there might be dangerous. I’m not sure “art” should be a qualitative judgment. The fact that something is “art” doesn’t mean it’s good, and something doesn’t have to be good to be “art.” 

There’s nothing in the definition of “art” that would allow for a qualitative evaluation. If something fits the criteria, then it’s art. It can be bad art, but it’s art nonetheless. 

Also, you don’t like Fallout 3? That game is a masterpiece! 

…

Let’s all get him!! 

(pitchfork-wielding mob descends on Mecha) 

But of course,nobody would ever DARE attack Bioshock! Unless you want to get attacked like I’m about to be.

 You proved my point. Platformers are designed without

the mario rpgs? you need it

Why, exactly? Did Mario need a story to be a masterpiece? And I doubt when they were making Mario they specifically intended to make a game without a good story.

I suspect that what gamers call “story” is often an amalgamation of the world-building components of a game. Of course it’s important to feel that the world you’re playing in is compelling and arresting, and makes you want to go deeper into it. But the presence of a linear, structured narrative doesn’t strike mas the most important thing in the world. Video games can convey meaning and emotion without them.