Right now, when quickly firing up a smartphone title from the App Store or exploring a favored product on an impressively powerful console machine, it’s evident that gaming has never been so good. Thanks to the continued innovation that is taking place in the gaming sphere, it’s now a go-to category of entertainment for millions of people. Everyone in the gaming industry is playing their part, game artists included.
Although the music in games and society’s changing gaming habits have also contributed to gaming’s notable growth, the art in games has also reached new heights. Game artists are responsible for that as they typically create art in a range of different gaming genres. There is a selection of different game art concepts to understand, too, from character art and sound art, to character animation and visual effects. Other common roles in this area of gaming include tech art, user interface design, sound design, and a few other important roles that contribute greatly to the gaming products we all typically explore in 2023.
Game artists deserve more credit than they get, too. In recent times, game artists have helped to create some truly excellent titles that have recorded notable success. For example, games like Genshin Impact have received glowing reviews for the eye-catching visuals they provide for gamers. Additionally, titles like Elden Ring offered the ultimate role-playing experience thanks to some truly detailed artwork throughout the game. Even online casino games, such as the prehistoric-themed Jackpot Giant, also rely on game artists to create a strong visual connection and some pleasurable designs to help make the game what it is today.
Essentially, without game artists, the games we play wouldn’t be anywhere near as impressive as they are. With that in mind, let’s salute some of the most talented game artists that have more than played their part in the games industry’s rise to prominence.
Warren Spector
An American game artist who has offered his expertise on a range of hugely successful titles, Warren Spector is a name many gamers will be fully aware of. Particularly known for his work in role-playing and immersive sim products, alongside a range of other notable categories, Spector’s work is some of the best around. He has helped create games like Ultima Underworld 2, System Shock, and Thief: The Dark Project. Warren Spector has also played a significant role in a range of Disney television shows, too, highlighting his immense talent that can be applied to various categories of entertainment.
Shigeru Miyamoto
For gamers who dive a little deeper and conduct extensive research into the games they play while also looking into gaming history, Shigeru Miyamoto is a name that will be more than familiar to many. Easily one of the greatest game artists ever, Miyamoto helped shape the thriving industry that we see today thanks to the selection of iconic Nintendo titles that he helped establish. From The Legend of Zelda to a range of Super Mario titles, his games have achieved legendary status and will never be forgotten. As a game artist, you can’t ask for any more than that.
Shinji Mikami
A name associated with the likes of the Resident Evil series in 1996 and the first version of the Dino Crisis series in 1999, Shinji Mikami is a game artist who has been working in the industry since 1990. A name many Capcom lovers will admire, Mikami has influenced numerous horror titles and is known for specializing in gruesome in-game art and providing a truly spine-chilling gaming experience.
Special mention must also go to Sid Meier, Will Wright, Alexey Pajitnov and Hironobu Sakaguchi.
