There is no denying that video games have come a long way since their early days. What started as simple, pixelated graphics and monotonous gameplay have become an astonishing industry with cutting-edge visuals and stories that suck you in for hours. Yet, one of the things that still always remains consistent from those early days is the use of art in video games. Whether it be to create the stunning landscapes seen today or help immerse players further into the game world, art plays a big role in how developers create video games. So, read on if you’re curious about just how important art is in video games or what amazing things it can do.
1. Graphics
The first and most obvious way art is used in video games is through graphics. The graphical fidelity of video games has increased exponentially over the years, and it’s all thanks to the artists who create stunning visuals in games today. From sweeping vistas and lush forests to dark caves and bustling cities, artists can create any environment imaginably. And with the power of modern consoles and PCs, there are virtually no limits to what they can do.
In addition to creating beautiful landscapes, artists also play a big role in designing the characters that populate these worlds. From the original 8-bit sprites of early console games to the realistic 3D models seen in today’s blockbusters, character design has come a long way. Yet, no matter how realistic or detailed these characters may be, they all started as an artist’s sketch.
2. Artistic Direction
In addition to graphics and character design, artists also play a big role in establishing a game’s overall look and feel. This is typically done through what’s often known as an art style. An art style is a specific way a game looks, and its setting and tone usually dictate it. For example, a dark and gritty game like The Last of Us will have a very different art style than a colorful and whimsical game like Super Mario Odyssey.
Art styles can range from ultra-realistic to completely abstract, and it’s up to the artist to decide what will work best for the game they’re working on. This is a very important decision, as the art style can hugely impact how players perceive and experience the game.
3. More Immersive
One of the most fundamentally important ways that art is used in video games is to immerse players further into the game world. This can be done in several ways, but one of the most common is environmental design. (citygoldmedia.com) By creating detailed and believable environments, artists can make players feel like they’re actually in the game. This is especially important in games that take place in imaginary worlds, as it helps players suspend their disbelief and become fully immersed in the game.
4. Expressing a Game’s Purpose or Identity
Art can also be used to express the purpose or identity of a game. For example, a game with a strong focus on storytelling might have a more cinematic art style, while a game that’s all about action and competition might have a more cartoonish look. This is all done to communicate the game’s identity to players and give them a better idea of what to expect. You can tell a game has had a lot of love put into it based on the aesthetic and identity of the game itself.
5. Making Things More Exciting
Aside from making games more immersive, art can also be used to make them more exciting. For instance, if you’re playing at an online casino with real money, this will make it more exciting – you can find more info here. Yet, it’s not just about thrills like this that make things better. Art is incorporated into every genre of game, even online casino games. For example, this is often done with color. Bright and vibrant colors can make a game more exciting, while darker and more subdued colors might give it a more serious tone. This always helps to set the mood and keep players engaged.
6. Inspiring Others
Video games are a form of art, and like all forms of art, they can inspire others. This is especially true for games that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Seeing the amazing things artists can create can inspire other artists to push themselves and explore new ideas. Games can also inspire players to be more creative and even to make their own games. Brands and companies are always trying to make things more professional, and inspiring others to do a better job is a great way to offer a more rounded and comprehensive service for users.
7. More Realistic
Art can also be used to make games more realistic. This is often done with 3D models and realistic textures. By making things look more realistic, artists can make players feel like they’re in the game. This is especially important in games that take place in realistic settings, as it helps players suspend their disbelief and become fully immersed in the game. The more realistic, the better.
