Artistic Styles

Artistic Styles used in computer games:

 

 There are a number of artistic styles used in games, stretching from cel-shading styles to photorealism. For the game to suceed, the appropriate style must be employed to try and obtain the most from the game. 

 

 

Cel-Shaded

 

 

Crackdown Xbox360 Gameplay - An example of cel-shading

Cel-shading is a type of non-photorealistic rendering, often used to make computer games appear hand drawn even though they are not. Its frequently utilized to recreate a cartoon or comic like style. The result of cel-shading has a very simplistic feel. The name derives from cels, which are traditionally used for 2d animation. Often cel-shading is used to create a unique artistic style for the game.

Photorealistic

Photorealistic graphics are used in games to try and create an environment that is as realistic as possible, by using textures and detail that would be seen in a real environment. Often characters, buildings and surrounding environments are relatable to the real world, which amplifies the feeling of realisticness for the player.



Red Dead redemption gameplay is a good example of photorealistic graphics, as the environment and characters look almost real. The textures used for the environment are lifelike, and the character has been created to appear as authentic as possible.

These two images show how a realistic feel has been achieved, using similar textures, colours and lighting that we see in reality. The Coliseum generated for the game appears virtually the same as the authentic Coliseum. This is extremely important when creating a game that is centred around existing landmarks and environments.

Real photograph of the Coliseum in Rome

Image From Assassins Creed, of the Coliseum in the game

 

Exaggeration

Exaggeration is something represented excess. Often when exaggeration is used in games, the features of a character or aspects of their environment can be blown out of proportion, either slightley or majorly.

Duke Nukem

Duke Nukem is a good example of exaggeration but to only a small extent, as he is still represented as a realistic  character, but with certain elements such as his muscles made slightley bigger than usual.

Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball-Z is an example of exaggeration used to a large degree. The characteristics such as the hair, and overall body proportion have been increased by a large amount, so the character no longer symbolises realism, as these arent believable qualities.

Abstract

Often something abstract has no particular style, purpose or theme, and usually has its own degree of independance. In the gaming industry, an abstract frequently consists of random notions, that cannot be related to the real world, or likened to reality graphically, however this does not mean they can't represent reality in their own specific way.






The impossible Game

The impossible game is an example of an abstract game, as there is no real purpose to the game, and it is just made up of shapes throughout. It cannot be likened to any experience in the real world, despite this it is a very succesful and popular game.