Introduction
In the world of video game development, choosing the right art style is crucial. It’s what sets a game apart and makes it instantly recognizable. In this article, we will explore the process of designing art styles for video games and discuss important considerations to keep in mind. Whether you’re working on a AAA title or a small indie project, these tips will help you create a unique and cohesive art style for your game.
Understanding Art Styles in Games
Before diving into the process of choosing an art style, it’s important to understand what an art style means in the context of video games. An art style is anything that differentiates a game visually and makes it stand out from other titles. It should be easily recognizable even in a single screenshot.
Pitfalls to Avoid
One common mistake when choosing an art style is emulating other games. While looking at other games for inspiration is helpful for UX/UI work or design, it can lead to creating a knockoff version of something that already exists. For example, games like “Cuphead” and “Bioshock” stood out because they explored art styles outside the realm of traditional gaming.
Finding Inspiration
Once you have a clear idea of the style you want, it’s important to gather reference images from a variety of sources. Instagram, ArtStation, Pinterest, and Google Images are great places to start. However, it’s crucial to involve your art team in this process. Ask them to share images they believe fit the style you’re aiming for. This ensures everyone is on the same page and avoids wasted time and resources.
Considering all Aspects of the Game
When designing an art style, it’s important to consider how it will fit into all aspects of the game. This includes the art palette, line work, rendering, shading, and animation. Each element should contribute to the overall style and help convey the desired emotional experience to the players.
Technical Feasibility
While designing an art style, it’s essential to ensure that it is technically feasible. Consider the capabilities of your shader system and the information you need to convey through the visuals. For example, if your game requires team colors on characters, ensure that the art style accommodates this requirement. Additionally, consider how the style reads with accessibility modes to ensure a great user experience for all players.
Leveraging the Strengths of Your Team
Every art team has its strengths and preferences. It’s important to know your artists well and understand what they excel at. If possible, schedule time for them to do quick sketches in different styles that align with the vision for the game. By involving your team in the decision-making process, you might discover hidden talents or find styles that fit the overall vision better.
Testing and Iteration
Once you have narrowed down the art style and palette, it’s crucial to test it in the game. Take a single piece of art to completion and evaluate how long it takes to achieve the desired quality. This will help you assess whether the chosen style is sustainable throughout the production process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different variations within the style to ensure you’re not missing any creative opportunities.
Conclusion
Designing art styles in video games is a complex and iterative process. It requires careful consideration of the game’s vision, the team’s capabilities, and the desired emotional experience for the players. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a unique and cohesive art style that sets your game apart. Remember to always involve your team, gather inspiration from various sources, and test your ideas to ensure feasibility. With careful attention to detail and creativity, you can design visually stunning and memorable art styles for your video games.
About Brilliant
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Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to our fantastic and legendary patrons: Joseph Blame, Dominic Valenciana, Casey Muscha, Arcolite Games, Angelo Valenciana, Alicia Bramble, and Ahmed Ziad Turk. Thank you for your support!
Remember, choosing the right art style is a crucial aspect of video game development. It’s what sets a game apart and makes it instantly recognizable. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a unique and cohesive art style that enhances the overall gaming experience. Good luck!
