Video games have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment, with people of all ages engaging in the immersive experience.
While video games typically involve playing as a character or team and battling against opponents in a virtual setting, many popular games also incorporate artistry into their design.
This artistry often takes the form of beautiful graphics and engaging storylines, which is why it’s important to understand how art influences video games and why it matters.
What is art in popular video games?
Art is a big part of popular video games. Not only do developers use art to set the tone and atmosphere of their games, but often characters or locations are designed with an artistic flair. In some cases, art can be so integral to the game experience that it’s hard to imagine playing a game without it.
Some Recent Games That Use Art To Great Effect
Games like “Mass Effect” and “Borderlands” are known for their stunning visual graphics, and both series regularly features character designs and locales that are heavily influenced by traditional art forms like painting and sculpture.
This attention to detail makes the game’s worlds feel more real and adds an extra layer of immersion for players who want to get lost in them.
Other games use art as a way to reflect the player’s own life experiences. “Life Is Strange” is an episodic puzzle adventure game set in Oregon during high school and its visuals were designed to reflect the nostalgia many gamers feel for that time period. Similarly, “Persona 5” features a cast of colorful characters that players can interact with using elemental magic based on tarot cards.
These elements help tie together the various story arcs in the game, creating a cohesive experience for players no matter what stage they’re at.
Why do artists choose to include art in their games?
Art in video games has a long and varied history, with many different reasons artists choose to include it. For some, it is simply a way to add additional visual interest to a game.
Artists may also use art as a way to express their own personal beliefs or values or to communicate important messages about the game’s world.
In some cases, art may even be central to the gameplay experience itself. Whatever the reason, including art in video games, is an often vital part of making them enjoyable and engaging for players.
How does the inclusion of art affect the game experience?
The inclusion of art in video games significantly impacts the game experience. Gamers who are drawn to a title based on its artistry are more likely to stay engaged with a game for longer periods of time and are more likely to recommend it to friends.
Furthermore, the artistry of a game can be used to differentiate it from other titles on the market.
Some video games proudly showcase their artistic elements, such as Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series. These games feature beautiful graphics that help immerses players into the world that they are exploring.
Other video games opt for a more minimalist look, such as Bethesda Softworks’ Fallout series. This approach allows for greater flexibility when developing the game’s story and setting, as well as making the game more accessible to a wider audience.
The importance of art in video games cannot be overstated. By creating an immersive experience that draws gamers in, developers can create loyal followers who will continue playing their titles long after they have been released.
What does art contribute to video games?
Art can be found in virtually every popular video game, serving as an integral part of the overall experience. From the graphics to the music, art plays a pivotal role in immersing players into the game world.
Some games even feature exclusive artwork that is only available through playing the game. This ensures that no matter which platform a player uses, they will be able to enjoy the same graphics and music regardless of where in the world they are.
By providing unique visuals and auditory experiences, art within video games has a tremendous impact on players’ overall enjoyment of the game.
How do artists create the aesthetics of video games?
Artists who create the aesthetics of video games must take into account the target audience, the game’s theme, and the mechanics of the game. Aesthetic elements can include character designs, settings, and music.
Video game developers often look to graphic designers for elements such as character designs and settings. Graphic designers may work with artists from other fields such as film or television to create a cohesive aesthetic for a video game.
Character designer Katsuhiro Harada has worked on titles such as “Street Fighter” and “Dark Souls”. Creative director Hidetaka Miyazaki has stated that he considers art to be one of the most important aspects of “Souls”.
Game mechanic designer Tetsuya Nomura considers gameplay to be secondary to graphics in determining a title’s aesthetic appeal.
Music is often an important part of a video game’s aesthetic. Composers may work with sound engineers to create sounds that fit the tone of a specific game. One example is “Final Fantasy VII”, which features popular tracks such as “Crisis Core” and “Bahamut’s Song”.
Sound effects also play a role in creating an atmosphere for a game. For example, boss battle themes are often elaborate compositions that use synthesizers and other electronic instruments to create an imposing feeling.