Style Is Everything

Style is a language of expression; it carries and conveys emotions just as easily as words do. People get judged based on their style and appearance, so why not judge video games in the same manner? The truth is, and most developers could agree, a game’s style is usually tailored towards a target market. It boils down to that certain people like certain things, and taste in visuals is no different that people’s taste in different clothing.

Journey by thatgamecompany

In the last month, I have seen two visually impressive games slated for released in the near future. The first is a PlayStation Network exclusive simply called Journey, developed by thatgamecompany. I can only go from what I have seen; for I have yet to play the actual game, it’s simplistic beauty goes beyond words. The style of this game feels so relaxed, that one can simply go out and enjoy the world they created without worrying about leveling-up or finding a better weapon or whatnot. A perfect review from a Vox Games analyst even goes as far as comparing it to the beauty of Pixar movie. If I had to judge a book by its cover, in this case the game being the book, I would buy it in a heartbeat, as I intend to do. In a world where style in games is tailored towards the demographics, this game throws those stats out the window and makes a style for the world to love.

Gravity Rush

The second game to have caught my attention also put its efforts to break free from a demographics-driven industry.  Gravity Rush, due to come out later this year for the PS Vita, is trying out a “Europeanesque” style of video game development. In a 1Up.com article by Jeremy Parish, he explains the developer’s need to find a “feel” to gaming that would appeal equally to both American and Japanese gamers. In order to stray away from America’s realistic style and Japan’s anime style, these game developers went French. Gravity Rush’s team drew inspiration from famous French illustrators in order to achieve the style that would eventually show up in the final game. The writer quotes the developer saying their goal was to mesh drawings with realistic elements into this game. Again, not having played the game and going solely on visual, I feel they have achieved what they set out to do. The trailers and still images I have seen from this game looks enticing enough for me to give the game a go on release day.

Style is the product's mood; in games, it connects with gamers on a subconscious level. If the gameplay is great but the style is wrong, that may be a harder fix than if the gameplay being so-so and the style dead-on. In my opinion, gameplay can always be improved with the sequel, but a game’s style is what ultimately makes the brand. And having a brand makes the life of a game last longer. Remember, style is everything...no matter how subtle my post puts it.