Elements of game design - part 2

During my first presentation, which was the review of the game Shadow of the Colossus, I tried to explain what was that ‘special thing’ that made this game one of my favourites. I talked about colossi looks, magical atmosphere and environments... But I felt like I was trying to describe taste of a cake by talking about eggs, flour and sugar flavours… I couldn’t find a word for the thing that made all these elements one extra piece... But I’ve finally found a name for it: art direction.

The person responsible for art direction during a game production is called the art director. His job is to make sure that all elements of the final game are well designed, created and what’s important that they all work together as a whole. It’s really important, tough and demanding job. Art director is a link between artistic team (including concept artists, texture artists and 3d modellers) and the game designer. He has to make sure that all artists accomplish given them tasks on a level required by game designer, but also that they are being provided all materials needed to do that. That is where close work with lead artists is really important, as they help to manage individual art departments.

'33 things I know about Art Direction' from David Bell

One could say ‘ok, I see it can be a hard job, but after all it’s still a managing job, there’s no difference between being art director and restaurant manager!’ Well... that’s no true. Although management is a big part of it, that’s obviously not enough. Even though art directors don’t create art pieces themselves they still need to be outstanding artists. Artistic knowledge of lighting, perspective, colour theory etc. is essential for being art director. If that wasn’t enough, they have to know everything about 3d modelling and textures as well!
Even though films and games are two different forms of entertainment I guess that the role of an art director in both is quite similar. They use different mediums but their task is the same: to make sure that everything works well together.

For me art direction is one of the most important aspects when it comes down to rating a game. A good example of game with an interesting art direction is Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. It’s a game set in post-apocalyptic future, so your first thought would be a Fallout-ish atmosphere, moody colours and vast deserts like in Mad Max, right? Well – surprise! Enslaved is one of the most colourful games I’ve ever played! Most of the time in this game I spent in a full daylight, running through abandoned city that slowly turns in to a jungle, full of vibrant plants and flowers. But what is the most important – it works really well with the story.

Being an art director is a hard job and I don’t think I would ever be a right person for it. Beside of lacking some essential skills like good communication skill I don’t enjoy managing other people and don’t feel comfortable when I have to make big, important decisions.

Links:
http://howtonotsuckatgamedesign.com/?p=4176
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20001204/davies_02.htm
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20050912/bossant_01.shtml