Computer Game Graphics

Computer Game Graphics

Pixel art: Pixel art is a form of digital art created through the use of raster graphics software where images are edited on a pixel level. Graphics on most old computers, mobile phones and consoles are mostly pixel based.

Pixel art based sprites are two dimensional bitmap that is integrated into a larger scene. In video games using pixel art they use isometric sprites. Isometric sprites is a form of parallel projection.

Isometric sprites

Concept art

Concept art is a form of illustration used to present ideas for use in films, video games, animation, comic books or other media before it is put in the final product. Concept art is also known as visual development or concept design.

Bioshock Infinite Boys of Silence concept art

Bioshock Infinite Boys of Silence final product

Texture Art

Texture art is an element of two dimensional and three dimensional designs. Texture art can also convey a variety of messages and emotions.


                                     Rough bark on tree

A brick with raised areas

Background Graphics

Background graphics add emphasis on the design in the game in every game a background is vital in order to submerse the player into the game and make it more “alive”. In 2D games a background can be a still image which is looping like the New York skyline in Deus Ex (2000).

                        Deus Ex (2000) New York Skyline

                         

In-Game Interface

User Interface is used in all games and is vital as it is user friendly and very simplistic to use. An example of In-Game Interface is HUD (Heads Up Display) which displays information relevant to the player i.e. Health/lives, Time: Mario Kart Series, Weapons/Ammunition: Most FPS Games, Mini-Map: GTA Series.

In most games the HUD for the sake of realism is disguised as part of the scenery or part of a vehicle when the player is travelling. Some games with HUDs will implement realism to health for example, Resident Evil 2 you can see your wounds and bloodstains and if your character is injured they may also limp, stagger, slouch over, or breathe heavily.

Very rarely no HUD is used at all leaving the player to interpret auditory and visual cues in the game. The elimination of a HUD has hardly become a trend in games but can be witnessed in these games. Silent Hill 2, Tomb Raider (2013), Fable III, Dead Space and Mirrors Edge.

Dead Space 2 (No HUD)

GTA V (HUD)

Print Media

Print media is game case cover art and also can be used on a promotional poster for the game. Also print media art is essential to the game as that it applies to the game its promoting. The aim of print media is to make the game look appealing and draw people to buy it this achieved by using colours and different techniques of drawing styles and sometimes writing. 

For example the box art for Bioshock Infinite is quite bland as its not meant to be for the hardcore fans of the series its meant for newcomers to experience a new game series which they will enjoy. The box art has the developer and publishers logos on it also Booker DeWitt is portrayed as a bada** in front of the burning of the American flag which (in my opinion) is expressing the fall of freedom and democracy.