What Types of Digital Art Styles Can You Find in Video Games?

Art|Digital Art

From pixel art to 3D models and cel-shaded animation, video games have a wide variety of digital art styles. Each style brings its own unique flavor to the gaming experience, helping to create a distinct atmosphere and aesthetic. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular digital art styles found in video games today.

Pixel Art

Pixel art is one of the oldest and most recognizable forms of digital art found in video games. It consists of images made up of tiny squares, or “pixels,” that form a larger image when viewed from close up.

Pixel art is often used in retro-style or 8-bit games, and it’s known for its charming and nostalgic aesthetic. Games such as Super Mario Bros., Earthbound, and Shovel Knight all feature pixel art graphics.

3D Models

3D models are detailed 3D representations of characters, environments, and objects which are rendered in real-time as you play the game. This type of digital art style is often seen in modern open-world games such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or Grand Theft Auto V, where players can explore vast 3D environments populated with detailed 3D models. 3D models are also used extensively in first-person shooters such as Call of Duty or Battlefield.

Cel-Shaded Animation

Cel-shaded animation is a technique used to make 3D graphics look like traditional 2D animation. This style is often used for cartoonish or anime-style games such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker or Okami. Cel-shading gives these types of games a unique visual flair that helps them stand out from other types of games.

Conclusion:

These are just some examples of the various digital art styles that can be found in video games today. Each style has its own unique look and feel that can help to create an immersive gaming experience for players. Whether you’re looking for an old school pixelated aesthetic or a more modern 3D look, there’s bound to be something out there that suits your taste.