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Video Game Art Style Over the Years

Video Game Art Style Over the Years

    Last Updated on March 29, 2023

The video game industry has come a long way regarding art style. Since the early days of pixelated graphics and simplistic art styles. Today, video games are a proper art form, and the quality of the video game visuals is a major factor in their success. 

Over the years, we have seen significant graphics improvement in video games. From photorealistic graphics to stylized and cartoonish designs, each Art Style was beautiful in its own right. 

In this article, we will explore the benefits of these improvements and why they matter to both players and developers. You can also check out the website to read more articles like this one. We talk about everything and anything gaming to help gamers worldwide.

The Evolution of Video Game Art Style

Image of Pokemon Art Style Evolution

The evolution of video game art styles has been gradual, with new technologies and artistic approaches introduced over time. Due to the limitations of hardware and software, pixel art dominated the early years of gaming. However, as technology advanced, so did the art styles.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, we saw the rise of 3D graphics, which allowed for more realistic and immersive environments. Games like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid showed what was possible with this new technology, and paved the way for the photorealistic graphics we see today.

But not all games targeted realism. Many developers opted for stylized and cartoonish art styles instead. Games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Borderlands used exaggerated proportions and bright colors to create unique and memorable worlds.

Today, we see a variety of art styles in video games, ranging from the realistic graphics of games like Red Dead Redemption 2 to the cartoonish designs of games like Fortnite. These styles are often a deliberate choice by developers.

Why the Art Matters

Video game art styles matter for several reasons. Firstly, they can make a game more visually appealing and immersive. A well-crafted world with beautiful graphics can draw players in and keep them engaged for hours on end. 

The art style can also help to establish the game’s tone and atmosphere. For example, a horror game with a dark and unsettling art style can be much more effective at creating a sense of tension and dread.

Secondly, art styles can significantly impact a game’s marketing and commercial success. A game with a unique and memorable art style is more likely to stand out in a crowded market and generate buzz among players. This can lead to increased sales and positive reviews, which can help to ensure the future success of the franchise.

Finally, art styles matter depending on the video game’s theme and story. For example, Red Dead Redemption 2 would not be as successful if it was a pixelized retro art style. All art styles are beautiful, but no art style matches every game’s theme.

The evolution of video game art styles was a significant development in the industry. From pixel art to photorealistic graphics to stylized designs. Each new approach has brought unique benefits to players and developers alike. 

Art styles help to make a game more visually appealing and establish its tone and atmosphere. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more impressive and innovative art styles in the games of the future.

Written By
Juan Cesar Torres

College student. Gamer since birth. Learned to read because of Pokémon. Dreams of buying a Nintendo Switch. Always looking for game recommendations (will play anything).

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