can a video game be classed as a work of art?

Maybe. It really depends on the game itself. And the definition of "art". I'd say a lot of games could qualify for art. Certain places areas in a game look pretty cool and they can have an artistic meaning to them. Some places and items tell stories all their own and its fun to research the deeper meanings of certain things like that. The stories of each game could qualify as a form of art too. You could be looking at the retelling of a classic story, or you could be seeing a story that breaks all of the established cliches'. And finally, its art especially if you stop to admire so many places, skills, items and you admire them multiple times. One does the same for famed paintings, buildings and landmarks. So why not video game content?