There is so much focus placed on the "next generation" of video game systems that it's easy to overlook the element of cost. This isn't so much rooted in how much games cost at retail but rather the expenses made in order to develop the games in question. An interview with Capcom, one of the longer-standing video game companies, brought this idea into light. However, does the idea of game design have to be as costly as we have learned it to be?
Masaru Ijuin, the Senior Manager of Technology Management at Capcom, did an interview that talked specifically about development costs. It goes without saying that the last generation of video game consoles required a certain degree of effort but it seems as though the generation that we are currently in, according to Ijuin, called for "eight to ten times" more. This goes without saying, though, especially when given the levels of power tied to the latest consoles from Microsoft and Sony alike. Game developers simply want to utilize as much power as possible.
Video games that are seen in the mainstream are doing as much as possible to push realistic graphics to the utmost degree. While these visuals can be very stunning, I'd like to think that there are certain titles which make the effort to stand out. Those who have been in schools that specialize in art can attest to the fact that there are many different styles to take into consideration. In my view, the styles in question help to make video games that much more interesting as a creative platform.
For example, most of Nintendo's standout titles are not exactly ones that can be considered "realistic." Even still, they are able to stand out, which is the most important aspect of any game; if it doesn't look as though it can hold your attention, it will not attain success. For example, "Super Mario 3D World" was impressive, to me, because of how warmer it appeared and the lighthearted atmosphere it possessed. When it comes to realism versus a lack of realism in gaming, it's a matter of apples versus oranges; it all comes down to opinion.
"The Last of Us," in my opinion, is the swan song of the PlayStation 3 and it's hard to argue with such a point. From its darker storyline to the grungier appearance that it possesses, it's clear that this game is a standout and for all of the right reasons. However, whether or not this style is best is subjective; some people simply do not want games to come across as moody. If you ask me, there is truth to this, "next-gen" simply has to entail polished visuals, regardless of specific styles.
Masaru Ijuin, the Senior Manager of Technology Management at Capcom, did an interview that talked specifically about development costs. It goes without saying that the last generation of video game consoles required a certain degree of effort but it seems as though the generation that we are currently in, according to Ijuin, called for "eight to ten times" more. This goes without saying, though, especially when given the levels of power tied to the latest consoles from Microsoft and Sony alike. Game developers simply want to utilize as much power as possible.
Video games that are seen in the mainstream are doing as much as possible to push realistic graphics to the utmost degree. While these visuals can be very stunning, I'd like to think that there are certain titles which make the effort to stand out. Those who have been in schools that specialize in art can attest to the fact that there are many different styles to take into consideration. In my view, the styles in question help to make video games that much more interesting as a creative platform.
For example, most of Nintendo's standout titles are not exactly ones that can be considered "realistic." Even still, they are able to stand out, which is the most important aspect of any game; if it doesn't look as though it can hold your attention, it will not attain success. For example, "Super Mario 3D World" was impressive, to me, because of how warmer it appeared and the lighthearted atmosphere it possessed. When it comes to realism versus a lack of realism in gaming, it's a matter of apples versus oranges; it all comes down to opinion.
"The Last of Us," in my opinion, is the swan song of the PlayStation 3 and it's hard to argue with such a point. From its darker storyline to the grungier appearance that it possesses, it's clear that this game is a standout and for all of the right reasons. However, whether or not this style is best is subjective; some people simply do not want games to come across as moody. If you ask me, there is truth to this, "next-gen" simply has to entail polished visuals, regardless of specific styles.
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If you are intrigued in learning about a specific form of art, take a moment to look into art schools in Florida.. This article, Next-Gen Game Design & Its Ties Into Art is released under a creative commons attribution license.
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