game-art

Game Art Principles

Visual design thinking for games - style selection, asset pipelines, and art direction.

---

1. Art Style Selection

Decision Tree

What feeling should the game evoke?
│
├── Nostalgic / Retro
│   ├── Limited palette? → Pixel Art
│   └── Hand-drawn feel? → Vector / Flash style
│
├── Realistic / Immersive
│   ├── High budget? → PBR 3D
│   └── Stylized realism? → Hand-painted textures
│
├── Approachable / Casual
│   ├── Clean shapes? → Flat / Minimalist
│   └── Soft feel? → Gradient / Soft shadows
│
└── Unique / Experimental
    └── Define custom style guide

Style Comparison Matrix

Style	Production Speed	Skill Floor	Scalability	Best For
Pixel Art	Medium	Medium	Hard to hire	Indie, retro
Vector/Flat	Fast	Low	Easy	Mobile, casual
Hand-painted	Slow	High	Medium	Fantasy, stylized
PBR 3D	Slow	High	AAA pipeline	Realistic games
Low-poly	Fast	Medium	Easy	Indie 3D
Cel-shaded	Medium	Medium	Medium	Anime, cartoon

---

2. Asset Pipeline Decisions

2D Pipeline

Phase	Tool Options	Output
Concept	Paper, Procreate, Photoshop	Reference sheet
Creation	Aseprite, Photoshop, Krita	Individual sprites
Atlas