Videogame art captivates audiences year after year, drawing in enthusiasts who collect special editions, design works, and vinyl soundtracks, all adorned with exquisite concept art. A recent moment of inspiration came while browsing through a personal collection of records, particularly the Dishonored Soundtrack Collection, which showcases a wealth of artistic talent from the franchise.
Character Select
In this week’s edition of Character Select, a column dedicated to exploring the art and cosplay of the gaming community, we take a moment to reflect on the beauty of videogame art. Collaborating with fellow writers from PC Gamer, we delve into our favorite pieces, acknowledging that while we cannot cover every masterpiece, we can share the art that resonates with us personally. We invite readers to join the conversation and share their own favorites in the comments below.
The legacy of iconic artists like Viktor Antonov endures through the striking visuals that blend gothic architecture with futuristic elements, a hallmark of titles such as Half-Life 2 and Dishonored. This haunting aesthetic is a significant reason these games remain etched in the minds of players long after their release.
Within the realm of Dishonored, character art shines brightly, with notable contributions from artists like Cedric Peyravernay, whose chiaroscuro portraits capture the essence of characters like Delilah and the Outsider. The royal family-style portraits by Sergey Kolesov of Corvo and Emily Kaldwin, along with the eerie depictions of the bloodfly plague by Piotr Jabłoński, further enrich the game’s visual narrative.
As we explore the art of Destiny, Rory Norris, a guides writer, reflects on how the game’s concept art captivated him from the start. The imagery of a post-apocalyptic Chicago, with its iconic scenes of nature reclaiming urban landscapes, left a lasting impression. The enigmatic Vex and their incomprehensible architecture, illustrated by Jesse van Dijk, added layers of intrigue that continue to resonate with fans.
Elden Ring
Tyler Colp, a contributing writer, shares his admiration for Elden Ring, emphasizing how the game’s concept art seamlessly translates into its stunning visuals. The official art book showcases breathtaking depictions of the Lands Between, inviting players to explore its magical realms. The meticulous attention to detail in the character designs, such as Malenia and Ranni, highlights the depth and richness of the game’s world.
Avowed
In discussing Avowed, Ted Litchfield, associate editor, expresses excitement over how the game translates the art direction of Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire into a fully realized 3D experience. The comic book-style illustrations used in loading screens evoke a nostalgic feeling, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the game. Litchfield appreciates the inventive designs of armor and weapons, suggesting that Avowed will be fondly remembered in years to come.
As we celebrate the artistry within the gaming industry, we recognize that these visual narratives not only enhance gameplay but also create a lasting emotional connection with players. Each piece of art tells a story, inviting us into worlds that are as beautiful as they are immersive.
Once and for all, which game has the best art?
Videogame art captivates audiences year after year, drawing in enthusiasts who collect special editions, design works, and vinyl soundtracks, all adorned with exquisite concept art. A recent moment of inspiration came while browsing through a personal collection of records, particularly the Dishonored Soundtrack Collection, which showcases a wealth of artistic talent from the franchise.
Character Select
In this week’s edition of Character Select, a column dedicated to exploring the art and cosplay of the gaming community, we take a moment to reflect on the beauty of videogame art. Collaborating with fellow writers from PC Gamer, we delve into our favorite pieces, acknowledging that while we cannot cover every masterpiece, we can share the art that resonates with us personally. We invite readers to join the conversation and share their own favorites in the comments below.
The legacy of iconic artists like Viktor Antonov endures through the striking visuals that blend gothic architecture with futuristic elements, a hallmark of titles such as Half-Life 2 and Dishonored. This haunting aesthetic is a significant reason these games remain etched in the minds of players long after their release.
Within the realm of Dishonored, character art shines brightly, with notable contributions from artists like Cedric Peyravernay, whose chiaroscuro portraits capture the essence of characters like Delilah and the Outsider. The royal family-style portraits by Sergey Kolesov of Corvo and Emily Kaldwin, along with the eerie depictions of the bloodfly plague by Piotr Jabłoński, further enrich the game’s visual narrative.
As we explore the art of Destiny, Rory Norris, a guides writer, reflects on how the game’s concept art captivated him from the start. The imagery of a post-apocalyptic Chicago, with its iconic scenes of nature reclaiming urban landscapes, left a lasting impression. The enigmatic Vex and their incomprehensible architecture, illustrated by Jesse van Dijk, added layers of intrigue that continue to resonate with fans.
Elden Ring
Tyler Colp, a contributing writer, shares his admiration for Elden Ring, emphasizing how the game’s concept art seamlessly translates into its stunning visuals. The official art book showcases breathtaking depictions of the Lands Between, inviting players to explore its magical realms. The meticulous attention to detail in the character designs, such as Malenia and Ranni, highlights the depth and richness of the game’s world.
Avowed
In discussing Avowed, Ted Litchfield, associate editor, expresses excitement over how the game translates the art direction of Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire into a fully realized 3D experience. The comic book-style illustrations used in loading screens evoke a nostalgic feeling, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the game. Litchfield appreciates the inventive designs of armor and weapons, suggesting that Avowed will be fondly remembered in years to come.
As we celebrate the artistry within the gaming industry, we recognize that these visual narratives not only enhance gameplay but also create a lasting emotional connection with players. Each piece of art tells a story, inviting us into worlds that are as beautiful as they are immersive.