2D and 3D artists usually work behind the scenes during a game's development, but they're among the most important figures in the long process of creating virtual worlds. It is up to talented conceptual and traditional artists to visualize and produce a game's environments, characters and other entities before the actual development begins. Without art as a base, it would be much more difficult to design and develop today's video games. Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) is very fortunate to have many highly skilled game artists among its dedicated developers. As a result, the PlayStation 3 (and PSP) console benefit greatly from the highest quality game franchises such as Ratchet & Clank, Killzone and the Uncharted series. Along with others, these titles have a very rich art department and it seems that, in addition to each game's success, their artists' hard work is gaining some much deserved recognition.
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) have announced that the artwork of four PlayStation 3 exclusive titles are being honored in this year's “Into The Pixel” collection. This prestigious collection showcases the brilliant works of game artists and unites judges from traditional fine art and the interactive entertainment industry. This year only 17 pieces were chosen, so it is a true honor for SCEA and its developers to be included in the ITP collection. The games that produced winning art include God of War III (Santa Monica Studio), Killzone 3 (Guerrilla), Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (Insomniac Games), and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Naughty Dog). A single piece of art from each of these titles has been selected to be added to the ITP collection and can be viewed below. The following works are hailed the best of 2011:
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God of War III: "Cronos Battle" by Tyler Breon, Santa Monica Studio
“The Cronos Battle is another one of those epic scenes that doesn’t exist anywhere but in God of War’s insanely over-the-top universe. A monster larger than a mountain with a temple chained to his back attacking you while you try to kill him in the middle of a ravaged wasteland as enemies sprout from his skin…how could that not be awesome? Plus he’s your grandfather so it’s really twisted.” - Tyler Breon
Killzone 3: "Stahl Arms" by Jesse Van Dijk, Guerrilla Games
"Stahl Arms shows the main base of operations for Killzone 3’s prime antagonist, Jorhan Stahl. Its remote location allows for secret testing of powerful new weapon technologies. The architecture is predominantly industrial, with dark, segmented sections that contain the production facilities, and lighter, yellow-banded sections that house the R&D departments. To underline the commercial nature of Stahl Arms as an organization, part of the structure serves as commercial office space as well.” - Jesse Van Dijk
Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One: "Oktonok Cay Cannery" by Dave Guertin, Insomniac Games
“Inspired by childhood summers along the New England coastline, Oktonok Cay serves as our ravaged seaport in Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One. Continuing the franchise tradition of exploring vast unique locations, we sought to capture the history and character of a weather-beaten seaside village. Complete with winding docks, alien sea life, and a bustling cannery, the area encourages players to find their 'sea legs' while clobbering a host of menacing creatures along the way." - Dave Guertin
Uncharted 3: "The Pelican Inn: by Andrew Kim, Naughty Dog Inc.
“The Pelican Inn is one of the first scenes you’ll see in UNCHARTED 3, where Drake will toughen up his fists for the first time. It’s a compact space with mostly drunken brutes and hustlers. What a perfect place to start a brawl!" - Andrew Kim
Congratulations to the great artists who were chosen to be added to the collection, and best of luck on future projects. The PlayStation community appreciates your dedication and hard work in helping to create the greatest games!