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Your video game’s art style is one of the first things players will notice when they start playing your game. It sets the tone and mood of your game and can create a lasting impression on players. A well-chosen art style can make your game stand out and be memorable. On the other hand, a poorly chosen art style can make your game look unprofessional and unappealing to players.
When choosing an art style for your video game, there are several factors you need to consider. These include:
Target Audience: Your art should be appealing and engaging to your target audience. For instance, if your target audience is children, a bright and colorful style would be more appropriate. However, if your target audience is adults, a more sophisticated and mature style would be ideal. Additionally, if your game is aimed at advanced game developers, the art style should be more complex and advanced to appeal to their interests and skills.
Genre: The genre of your game also plays a significant role in determining the art style. For instance, if your game is a horror game, a dark and ominous style would be more suitable. On the other hand, if your game is a fantasy game, a colorful and whimsical style would be ideal.
Storyline: The storyline of your game can also help you determine the art style. If your game has a serious and emotional storyline, a realistic style would be more appropriate. However, if your game is more lighthearted and playful, a cartoonish or stylized style would be more fitting.
Technical Considerations: You should also consider the technical capabilities of your development team and the platform you are developing for. Some styles may require more advanced technical skills and may not be feasible for your team or platform.
Once you have considered the factors above, you can begin choosing the perfect art style for your video game. Here are some popular styles to consider:
Realistic: This style is often used in games with serious and emotional storylines. It involves creating characters and environments that closely resemble real-life.
Cartoonish: This style is often used in games that are more lighthearted and playful. It involves creating characters and environments that are exaggerated and whimsical.
Stylized: This style is often used in games that have a unique and distinctive art style. It involves creating characters and environments that are not meant to be realistic, but rather have a unique and recognizable look.
Pixel Art: This style is often used in retro-style games or games with a nostalgic feel. It involves creating characters and environments using pixels, similar to the graphics of old video games.
As previously discussed about the mood and tone of your game, it’s important to understand what you are trying to show with your game and let it inform the art style. You don’t want Animal Crossing traipsing into your Warhammer 40,000 grimdark environment. That won’t end well for anyone involved.
At Magic Media we are veterans of the gaming, tech and entertainment industries, offering comprehensive services including game development, VFX, animation and full art services! Our main goal is to provide a one-stop solution for any project. If you’d like to utilize our expertize and experience in creating, game art and more, drop us a line and let’s create magic!
