Video games are highly entertaining because of their gameplay and the challenge they offer players. However, these aren’t the only reasons players spend hours on their consoles or even devote their time to gaming as a serious hobby.
Art plays a decisive role in video gaming, which is why the industry invests so much into artistry in its games. The art influences how players feel while they’re playing the game. Different shapes create different feelings, for instance, and can create security, friendliness, curiosity, unpredictability and more.
Below is a look at the evolution of video game art, including some of the key factors in its progression and their influence on it. You’ll read about some fine examples of art in the video game industry.
The evolution of video game art
In the early days of mainstream gaming, game designers and developers didn’t have the technology they do now. This really shaped the art style and led to the rise of pixel art — or “8 BIT art,” as it was also known — in games. Small grids of pixels made up characters, environments and objects. Classic games such as “Donkey Kong” and “Pac-Man” are famous examples.
This visual style was simple but became iconic and somewhat defined the era. Despite the limitations, illustrators were still able to add shading and other features to give their creations more depth, and 2D scrollers such as “Super Mario Bros.” and “Sonic the Hedgehog” implemented parallax scrolling to simulate movement and depth.
The development of 16-bit, which displays more than 65,000 colors, set artists free of the 256-colour constraints of 8-bit. This advance enabled them to incorporate greater detail in their art and express themselves more freely artistically.
The arrival of 3D and a greater investment in art
Three-dimensional (3D) graphics transformed gaming. They offered fully explorable environments and dynamic camera systems, and gameplay became more interactive. Advances in technology saw 3D visual quality advance with it, and the standard of storytelling and gameplay increased, too. It was at this point as well that gaming companies realized the true importance of art and began expanding their art teams to create greater visual worlds.
Motion capture
Motion capture ramped up gaming art even higher by bringing realistic animations to characters and realism to the narratives. This major development paved the way for more immersive experiences in gaming, a demand from players that igaming operators are aware of. They seek to incorporate these experiences into their own offerings in the form of live dealer games and, although it’s in its early stages in the industry, the use of augmented and virtual reality technologies, whether players are using slots or playing table games.
Photorealism and stylization
Today, modern games strive for a balance between stylization and photorealism. “Red or Dead Redemption 2” and similar titles harness physical rendering technology, a breakthrough that has catapulted gaming art, for lifelike visuals. Physical rendering technology can help to simulate realistic lighting and textures, for instance.
Some games, however, cater to those who wish to see individuality in gaming art and prioritize stylization over photorealism. This has led to the creation of games such as “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” which incorporates bold colors, unique designs, and creative worlds. The results are gaming worlds that remain fresh no matter how old the game and appeal to diverse audiences.
Fine video game art
It’s not just in the games themselves that video game creatives display their fantastic talents. Video game covers and promotional materials have also given them opportunities to harness their artistic mastery and dazzle and attract players.
Elden Ring
The largely silent reveal for “Elden Ring” at E3 2019 was a teaser that displayed masterfully haunting visuals and a cryptic world. There was even a collaboration with the “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin. Then the creators went silent, which created years of speculation from fans and content creators, generating a real buzz for the game.
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA)
The GTA series has been delighting fans and causing controversy since the late 1990s, but it’s marketing campaign for the fifth instalment was a masterpiece. The company delivered a teaser in October 2011, then a second trailer in 2012 and followed up with some murals in 2013 and some strategically placed billboards and posters. By the time the game came out in September 2013, anticipation was at a fever pitch.
Silent Hill 2
The cover art of “Silent Hill” was simple but effective. The image is one of a mere tiled bathroom wall, a supposedly safe, sterile space. The blood smeared across it, however, suggests that not even the bathroom is safe now.
Video gaming art has progressed from simple pixel grids representing elements to 3D graphics, photorealism and major stylization to offer an astonishing gaming experience. Gaming companies have understood the power of art to transform their games and have invested big sums in it. They’re now reaping the benefits of this.
Parisilyn Cruz has played a pivotal role as an article writer and key contributor in the development of Innov Art Foundry. Her deep passion for the art world is reflected in the insightful and engaging content she creates, covering everything from the latest art trends to in-depth explorations of virtual reality's impact on artistic expression. Parisilyn's writing not only informs but also inspires readers, making complex topics accessible and intriguing for a broad audience.
Beyond her writing, Parisilyn has been instrumental in shaping the direction of Innov Art Foundry. Her contributions have helped to establish the platform as a trusted resource for both seasoned artists and newcomers to the art scene. By blending her creativity with a keen understanding of the art landscape, Parisilyn Cruz has ensured that Innov Art Foundry remains at the forefront of contemporary art discourse, continually providing valuable insights and fostering a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.