How art inspires video games

pczone.co.uk:

With ever-so-stunning graphics and complex storylines venturing into bold narrative territories, video games have definitely evolved as a distinctive art form. From dystopian environments to fantasy worlds, imagination is the only limit to developers and game artists. But many games also draw inspiration from classical arts to fuel their creativity. So, are you an art enthusiast? Here are some suggestions to delve into the deep connexion between art and gaming.

Credit: Hallion – Flickr

Developed by Clover Studio, Ōkami is a solid reference for games as an art form. Upon its release in 2006, critics lauded its breathtaking visuals influenced by traditional Japanese ukiyo-e art. Ukiyo-e, which poetically translates as “pictures of the floating world,” flourished in Japan from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Artists produced woodblock printings celebrating Japanese landscapes. Additionally, Edo painters depicted female beauties, kabuki actors, and folk tales. Since it focuses on Japanese mythology and folklore, it was natural for Ōkami to model itself after prominent artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige. Beyond its beautiful backgrounds, the game further paid homage to traditional calligraphy through the Celestial Brush feature lent from sumi-e brush painting. 

Credit: violence day – Flickr

Much like the Ace Attorney franchise, Aviary Attorney embarks players on a journey alongside a lawyer investigating crime scenes and defending his clients in court. However, this indie game sets in 1848 Paris. On the verge of the February Revolution, the French capital is inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. To bring these quirky creatures to life, developers drew on public domain artwork by French caricaturist J.J.