Visual design is one of the key factors influencing your experience with video games. Whether you’re playing a short, linear-story game or a long, open-world game with many characters, you need top-notch graphic design for good gameplay. This involves more than just aesthetics – it also includes things like character animations and environments.
Perhaps you want to try every new release out there. Or maybe you only focus on one game and even place bets for it on the official site of an eSports-related platform. Either way, well-crafted graphics are definitely something you pay attention to.
Why Is High-Quality Graphic Design So Important in Gaming?
The visuals of video games can attract or deter users. Here are the key roles of graphic design in gaming:
Improving Storytelling
It’s easier to convey a good story when you also have impressive visuals to pair it with. People don’t just want to see dialogue; they are also interested in attractive landscapes and characters, as well as well-defined details. The right game style can set the mood for the story.
Visuals are more than just a decoration – they influence the way gamers connect with the story. This is why developers need to choose the right art style and make sure everything is beautifully and accurately drawn.
Creating Mesmerizing Universes
With their unique art, games can send players to a completely new world. With visually stunning landscapes, users will feel like they are actually part of the story as well. The stronger and more unique the visual design is, the more authentic the story will be.
This applies to any type of game, whether it has a medieval topic, a sci-fi subject, or an apocalyptic theme. It also matters whether the animation is 2D or 3D, as this gives the game a unique atmosphere.
Impacting the Way Players Feel
The story and characters aren’t the only aspects that influence player emotions. Visual design also contributes to the way gamers feel whenever they explore the world and progress through the story.
Factors such as lighting, textures, and color schemes change the gaming experience by setting the mood. For instance, fun, adventure games might have a bright, vibrant world that makes you feel excited. Meanwhile, horror games might use darker details and dim lighting, setting the game up for an eerie atmosphere.
When games put a focus on these details and use the right elements, they can evoke intense feelings in their players, making them love or hate a game.
Different Art Styles in Gaming
Over the years, game designs have changed substantially. We went from pixelated 2D games to detailed 3D realism. At the same time, a game doesn’t always need realism to look good. As long as the art style fits the story and sets the mood, it works out.
Here are some of the most common styles you will encounter during your gamer journey:
Pixel Art
Pixel art is one of the most popular styles. It was a hit decades ago in arcade games, although it became more widespread with games such as Super Mario Bros.
Pixel art represents the 80s and early 90s era of video games. Although it might look simple and not so interesting at first glance, designers have to be very creative and skilled to use every single dot to convey personality and expression.
Cel-Shading
Cel-shading is a style that includes flat, bold lines and simple shading. It’s inspired by comic books and animation, creating a cartoon-like aspect. The style makes games look like moving storybooks, giving them an appeal of their own.
3D Realism
3D realism is a top option for games today. As technology and hardware improved over the years, game designers looked for ways to make each game feel as realistic as possible.Â
With this style, players can enjoy rich, detailed environments that make them feel like they are exploring the real world. Everything from the lighting to the dynamic weather and complex facial expressions makes the game feel more than just a fictional narrative.
Hand-Drawn and 2D Animation
Many games still focus on hand-drawn and 2D animation and visuals. This style is very nostalgic, as it perfectly captures the beauty of traditional animation. With high-quality, hand-drawn 2D art, games can create unique atmospheres and evoke deep feelings in gamers.
Whether you prefer retro games or modern ones, there is no doubt that art style plays a huge role in the way you feel about the game. With technology and styles evolving throughout the decades, there’s no doubt that we will see more and more inspiring games in the next few years.
