How can game artists help retain players through their art?

2 Visual variety

Another way game artists can help retain players is by creating visual variety that prevents boredom and monotony. Visual variety can include different environments, characters, enemies, items, and styles that offer new and interesting challenges, opportunities, and discoveries for the player. Visual variety can also stimulate the player's imagination and curiosity, as well as their sense of exploration and adventure. For example, a game artist can design a diverse and rich world with different biomes, cultures, creatures, and secrets, or use a unique and distinctive art style that sets the game apart from others.

3 Visual storytelling

A third way game artists can help retain players is by using visual storytelling that enhances the narrative and the theme of the game. Visual storytelling can include symbols, icons, images, colors, and shapes that convey meaning, emotion, and mood to the player. Visual storytelling can also create a sense of immersion and connection, as well as a sense of identity and agency for the player. For example, a game artist can use a red rose as a symbol of love, a skull as a symbol of death, or a flag as a symbol of allegiance, or use a minimalist or a realistic art style to reflect the tone and the genre of the game.

4 Visual communication

A fourth way game artists can help retain players is by using visual communication that informs and guides the player. Visual communication can include signs, indicators, hints, tutorials, and menus that show the player what they need to know, what they need to do, and where they need to go. Visual communication can also create a sense of clarity and ease, as well as a sense of challenge and mastery for the player. For example, a game artist can use arrows, icons, or colors to point out the objectives, the enemies, or the items, or use a simple or a complex UI to adjust the difficulty and the complexity of the game.

5 Visual appeal

A fifth way game artists can help retain players is by creating visual appeal that attracts and delights the player. Visual appeal can include aesthetics, quality, originality, and polish that make the game look good, feel good, and stand out. Visual appeal can also create a sense of admiration and appreciation, as well as a sense of loyalty and pride for the player. For example, a game artist can use beautiful graphics, detailed textures, or stunning effects to showcase the game's artistry, or use a consistent and coherent art direction to create a memorable and recognizable game brand.

6 Visual collaboration

A sixth way game artists can help retain players is by collaborating with other game developers and with the players themselves. Visual collaboration can include feedback, testing, iteration, and co-creation that improve the game's art and design, as well as the game's functionality and usability. Visual collaboration can also create a sense of teamwork and community, as well as a sense of ownership and empowerment for the player. For example, a game artist can work with a game designer, a programmer, or a sound designer to create a balanced and harmonious game experience, or work with the players to allow them to customize, mod, or share their game art.