Graphics

Game Deep

We're talking everything graphics in games! What's the purpose of a game's graphics, and which do we like most? We analyze the technological leaps, art styles, and gameplay experiences only possible due to certain types of visuals. Guest co-host, our good friend Andy!

• 0:00 - Our first guest! Welcome Andy, AKA @Dractactics. How Zac and Andy know each other, their early shared games. Halo, Morrowind, Mass Effect. The Bethesda/BioWare Venn diagram.
• 11:40 - Graphics, the "video" in video game. What's the current value of visuals in games? The earliest graphics: teletype, oscilloscope, ASCII.
• 19:30 - Drawing a parallel between game graphics and other art forms, like film or fine art. The interplay between realism/representational art and more creative graphical styles.
• 31:07 - When graphics were the appeal of arcade games, then home console technology outpaced arcades in late 90s/early 00s. PS2 being a sweet spot "Goldilocks" of just the right amount of graphical power. Mister Mosquito, Katamari Damacy.
• 40:43 - Graphics allowing storytelling and worldbuilding. Closing the gap between creator intent and player experience. Uncharted, Grand Theft Auto, The Last of Us.
• 48:26 - The uncanny valley: making characters that feel real, or missing the mark. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Detroit: Become Human.
• 54:02 - Graphics in games of various budgets. Console vs. handheld, AAA vs. indie. Wider variety starting in the Xbox 360 era. Similar phenomenon in film/TV. The hand-drawn art style in Cuphead.
• 1:02:37 - Gaming experiences only available with graphics: Spatial puzzle games like Portal, Viewfinder, Superliminal. Sports games. Virtual "traveling" or exploring physical spaces: Assassin's Creed, BioShock, Subnautica, Uncharted, DOOM & DOOM "VFR."
• 1:13:00 - Next developments in graphics: raytracing, reflections, lighting. The smaller generational leaps of today compared to yesteryear. Cyberpunk 2077. FFVII Remake vs. Rebirth. Alan Wake 2.
• 1:26:34 - When graphical limitations work in favor of game design or innovation. Superman 64 (sarcasm). The fog in Silent Hill. Jumping Flash.
• 1:35:27 - Lofi art styles. Silent Hill 3. Shadow of the Colossus. Penny's Big Breakaway. Return of the Obra Dinn.
• 1:41:04 - What do WE value in graphics? Love for PS1 coziness and modern graphics alike. Go hug a game developer!

Bryan - @analogdarling on Twitch, Twitter, and Instagram

Xander - @xanwithaplan on Twitch and Twitter

Zac - @zacaroniandcheez on Twitch, @GaijinWota on Twitter and Instagram

Andy - @DracTactics on Twitch

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