Delinea el arte del juego

How to define the aesthetic concept of a video game?

The art in a video game is a crucial element that directly affects the player's experience. When thinking about the art of a game, we must clarify what we want to convey visually. This concept must be aligned with the aesthetics we want to offer and the emotions we want to provoke in the player.

To achieve this, it is essential to create an aesthetic summary within the game document. It is not about detailing every aspect of the art, but highlighting the key elements that will bring the game's visual universe to life.

Why is the aesthetic concept important?

• To convey ideas and emotions: The art defines how the game feels and looks, which affects the type of emotions the player will experience.
• Create a unique visual identity: A well-defined aesthetic style differentiates your game from others, giving it a unique personality.
• Guide for development: It serves as a reference for the art team, ensuring consistency in the design of characters, scenery and objects within the game.

For example, in the case of the Arcanet game, a retro-futuristic aesthetic based on recycled machinery was sought, standing out with a steampunk style and differentiating it from the classic pixel art.

How is concept art used in video game design?

The use of references and concept art is vital to communicate the aesthetic vision to the art team. References can come from any source, not only from videogames.

• Visual references: Images, sketches, or movies that capture the visual essence we want to replicate.
• Inspiration from other media: Texts, objects or even people that symbolize the feeling we want to evoke.

In Arcanet, a clear reference is the movie "Way, Way West", known for its steampunk aesthetics. Elements such as the giant mechanical spider allow designers to have a concrete starting point.

How do you strengthen the sense of play through art?

Strengthening the perception of the game involves creating a visual environment that complements the gameplay. In Arcanet, we sought to enhance the feeling of speed and agility with a fluid and minimalist aesthetic. This involves:

• Avoiding overloading the image: Pixel art games tend to fill the visual space with multiple elements. Here we opted for a cleaner approach.
• Focusing on the action: Generating visual vertigo through enemies and obstacles, rather than cluttering the design with unnecessary details.

How to guide the art team?

To provide direction to the art team, it is crucial to specify the basic features we envision for the game. This is accomplished through clear styles, color palettes, and references.

Completing a style guide section is a valuable recommendation. Answer questions about the visual and sensory message you are looking for, and gather sketches and images that go in this direction. Sharing these elements not only ensures aesthetic cohesion, but also fosters a creative flow within the team.

We encourage developers to explore courses such as the Concept Art course available on Platzi to expand their understanding of game art design. This learning boosts their ability to materialize visual concepts that capture the essence of their game.