Video games are perhaps the most powerful vessel for visual art in the modern age. The way that a game canincorporate so many disparate aesthetic elements, blending them together through movement and interactivity, is something that no other artistic medium can accomplish, at least not in the same way, or perhaps as smoothly.
Indeed, gaming audiences are spoiled when it comes to stunning art design, and 2024 has been host to some of the most visually striking releases in recent memory. Heavy-hitter studios like FromSoftware and Atlus have once again impressed with the likes ofElden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeandMetaphor Refantazio, but games from relatively smaller studios, including Nomada Studios’Neva, have carved out a space for themselves as well. The best of the best from the past 12 months will be honored atThe Game Awards 2024, but only one can walk away with the coveted Best Art Direction accolade.
2024 Best Art Direction Nominees
Astro Bot
Astro Botis one of the best games of the year, with strong art design being just one of its many strengths. From the glimmering allure of its many distinct levels to the adorably detailed Bots that litter them,Astro Botis Team Asobi at its most visually powerful. Just about every moment ofAstro Botis filled with stunning aesthetic elements, and thanks to the cleverly implemented haptic features of the DualSense, they are elevated at every turn.
Visual variety is a key area whereAstro Botshines. In any 3D platformer, it’s crucial that each level have an unmistakable identity of its own, and this is often accomplished by thematically diverse art direction. This is precisely whereAstro Botexcels, letting players explore grassy fields, flashy casinos, and dazzling galactic mysteries, all realized with the passion and verve only seen in the best of the genre. Itsrecreation of key PlayStation iconographyshould also be praised, as IP likeGod of WarandUnchartedreceive grand makeovers in the game’s art style.
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Black Myth: Wukong
Based upon Chinese mythology,specificallyJourney to the West,Black Myth: Wukongis defined bythe archaic, mystical splendor that one would expect from these stories. The vast vistas and opulent enemies of the game stand out as notable highlights, as they represent a deft combination of both ancient sensibilities and original, modern tastes, clearly inspired by the likes of FromSoftware. Its originality and scale are sure to leave an impression on just about anyone who plays it, and makes it a more than worthy contender for Best Art Direction.
WHERE TO PLAY
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology and based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.As the Destined One, you shall encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.Aside from mastering various staff techniques, you may also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find the winning strategy that best suits your combat style.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
AlthoughShadow of the Erdtree’s nomination for Game of the Yearhas attracted more than a fair bit of criticism, few could argue against its inclusion in this category. Indeed,SoTEis yet another example of FromSoftware’s unwavering dedication to grotesque and unforgettable art design, as the studio is seemingly never afraid to embrace the strange, bizarre, or outright disturbing in its games. The result is often a virtual world filled with some of the most strikingly original landscapes, character designs, and creatures imaginable, andShadow of the Erdtreejust might be the company’s best collection of mind-melting visuals yet.
Shadow of the Erdtree is the first and only DLC expansion for FromSoftware’s groundbreaking Elden Ring. It takes players to a whole new region, the Land of Shadow, where a new story awaits the Tarnished.
Metaphor: Refantazio
There’s an argument to be made thatMetaphor Refantaziois Atlus' best game to date, and its art direction plays a big part in that argument. Like itsPersonaprogenitors, its UI design is particularly inventive and striking, but its allure goes far beyond menus and other non-diagetic elements. Character designs, which are incredibly varied thanks to the game’s premise, alongside its Hieronymus Bosch-inspired enemies, are unforgettable and unique as well, coming together to form one of this year’s best-looking titles.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
From the creative minds behind Persona 3, 4, and 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a unique fantasy world, where your protagonist will journey alongside his fairy companion, Gallica, to lift the curse from the kingdom’s lost prince.Control your destiny, face your fears, and awaken magical Archetype powers that lie dormant in your heart. By awakening to an Archetype, you will unlock the power to channel and combine the abilities of unique job classes. Strengthen your bonds and build your party to take down powerful foes and discover the kingdom’s true nature.
Neva
Coming from the same team that made the heart-rendingGris,Nevais a gorgeous tear-jerker. It’s not as aesthetically varied as something likeMetaphor, but its consistency makes it akin to a gorgeous moving painting: it’s distinctly beautiful every step of the way. One minute with the game will reveal this as the truth, as there are virtually no shortcomings in terms of its presentation, which buttresses its simple gameplay and moving soundtrack.
Nevatakes players through the ever-familiar four seasons, driving home its themes of nature’s inevitable cycles of life and death through its art design. LikeGris, it combines true-to-life environments with more abstract artistic elements, forming a mural that represents its thumping narrative heart. All ofNeva’s visual components melt together in a triumphant and indescribable way: it’s truly a game that has to be seen to be believed.
Neva is an emotionally-charged action adventure from the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed GRIS.Neva chronicles the story of Alba, a young woman bound to a curious wolf cub following a traumatic encounter with dark forces. Together they embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world as it slowly decays around them.Over time, their relationship will evolve as they learn to work together, helping one another to brave increasingly dangerous situations. The wolf will grow from a rebellious cub to an imposing adult seeking to forge her own identity, testing Alba’s love and their commitment to one another.As the cursed world threatens to overwhelm them, Alba and her courageous companion will do whatever it takes to survive and make a new home, together.
Final Prediction
All the nominees are stunning, and the race is bound to be close, butMetaphor Refantaziowill likely emerge victorious when it comes to Best Art Direction.Atlus is truly at its best here, creating a high fantasy world that, above all else, actually feels visually unique—something that is no easy task. It’s not merely attractive on a basic, necessary level, but brimming with creativity, running the gamut from predictably gorgeous to unexpectedly psychedelic and startling.
Creature and character design, an unnecessarily beautiful UI, and top-of-the-line anime cutscenes come together to makeMetaphora veritable feast for the eyes. While other 2024 releases, especiallyNeva, are at times more beautiful,Metaphor Refantazio’s rich varietyand numerous disparate visual elements make it a true leap forward for not just Atlus, but the games industry as a whole, making it a strong choice for the winner of this category. It represents a new gold standard for creativity in art direction and visual design, and it will undoubtedly serve as a touchstone that future RPGs will be judged against.
