Today, there areestimatedto be more than 3 billiongamersglobally. They’re able to play against each other in real time, communicate via headsets, and get lost in a virtual world that looks very real. The industry has opened the door to a whole new niche known as video game art. And for some, a career path as a video game illustrator. But no matter how real a video game scene looks, it’s still carefully created.

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RELATED:Romy Latterwas on holiday when Bored Panda reached out to her. But the animator, illustrator and game developer happily agreed to take some time out from her R&R to chat to us about one of her biggest passions: gaming and game development. Latter runs an indie gaming studio, alongside her husband Lasse, so she knows a thing or two about the importance of visuals when it comes to gaming.“I worked in animation for a long time as a 3d artist and my husband worked as a developer and we’ve always wanted to work on something together that combines both our skills, that’s where our little studio Unsigned Double started,” said Latter during our chat.“Making games is so different to making animation or art or any of the other things I’d done in the past because of the way people interact with it. It combines so many mediums. I find it really challenging and fulfilling to create something that (hopefully, if you do it right) immerses people and brings them a bit of joy or fun.“We asked Latter what she loves most about gaming. “It’s a really engaging and active form of fun,” she replies. “Where watching a film or series is passive, gaming really requires you to engage and get immersed and learn things in order to get to the next bit or complete the challenge.“She tells us that she also loves playing co-op games with friends. “Not really into competitive online games but more relaxed story based co-op games likeBaldur’s GateorIt Takes Twoare so fun to play together,” reveals the gamer girl.Latter believes game graphics don’t always have to be ultra-realistic - like the photos featured in this list. But it really depends on the game. “For some games, realistic graphics add to the immersion and aid the storytelling, but for other games I think good art direction is much more important,” said the expert.She tells us that realism doesn’t always equal good. “Some games have amazing graphics/art direction that are far from realistic but are beautiful and stylised, likeNevaorOri and the Blind Forest,” explains Latter.“And then some games have what you might consider ‘bad’ graphics but it’s their aesthetic and people love them and they sell well because the game is a great game.“Latter says while graphics have improved dramatically over the past few decades, there’s a shift back to a more old-school look. “Recently there has even been a huge trend in imitating PS1-looking graphics from the past,” she told Bored Panda.“It’s budget friendly and people really like the retro, nostalgic feeling. What once was a technical limitation is now an aesthetic that people actively try to recreate.“Before we released Latter back to her much-deserved holiday, we were curious to know a bit more about the game she recently developed with her husband. It’s calledHadley’s Run: A Starship Sagaand is available on the online gaming platform Steam.She likens it toNova DriftmeetsHades, and says there’s a heavy emphasis on the original soundtrack “as a banging back beat while you shoot down alien baddies.“Latter describes the game as a top down ‘roguelite’ space shooter adventure. “You are Hadley Orah, the pilot of a mining craft from a South African space colony,” the developer tells Bored Panda.“Going through a portal with an untested piece of tech leaves you stranded and alone in a distant alien galaxy. You must portal jump your way home to defeat the DraadMek and save the universe.““Unlock epic upgrades, explore alien galaxies, make friends, find love and do battle against a relentless alien AI threat,” reads the game’s description, and we’d be lying if we said we weren’t tempted to try it out and get lost in a parallel universe.Continue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored Panda

Charming house with whimsical architecture resembling a fairytale setting, evoking a videogame aesthetic.

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A medieval-style stone crypt with a chandelier, resembling a videogame setting.

Car on a snowy forest path illuminated by red brake lights, creating a scene that looks like a videogame.

Romy Latterwas on holiday when Bored Panda reached out to her. But the animator, illustrator and game developer happily agreed to take some time out from her R&R to chat to us about one of her biggest passions: gaming and game development. Latter runs an indie gaming studio, alongside her husband Lasse, so she knows a thing or two about the importance of visuals when it comes to gaming.“I worked in animation for a long time as a 3d artist and my husband worked as a developer and we’ve always wanted to work on something together that combines both our skills, that’s where our little studio Unsigned Double started,” said Latter during our chat.“Making games is so different to making animation or art or any of the other things I’d done in the past because of the way people interact with it. It combines so many mediums. I find it really challenging and fulfilling to create something that (hopefully, if you do it right) immerses people and brings them a bit of joy or fun.”

Romy Latterwas on holiday when Bored Panda reached out to her. But the animator, illustrator and game developer happily agreed to take some time out from her R&R to chat to us about one of her biggest passions: gaming and game development. Latter runs an indie gaming studio, alongside her husband Lasse, so she knows a thing or two about the importance of visuals when it comes to gaming.

“I worked in animation for a long time as a 3d artist and my husband worked as a developer and we’ve always wanted to work on something together that combines both our skills, that’s where our little studio Unsigned Double started,” said Latter during our chat.

“Making games is so different to making animation or art or any of the other things I’d done in the past because of the way people interact with it. It combines so many mediums. I find it really challenging and fulfilling to create something that (hopefully, if you do it right) immerses people and brings them a bit of joy or fun.”

At The Right Time Of Day, My Dog’s Favorite Napping Spot Makes Him Look Really Magical

Rock formations at night with glowing rings, resembling a scene from a videogame.

This Tree I Found Hiking Looks Like A Forest Monster Watching Over You

We asked Latter what she loves most about gaming. “It’s a really engaging and active form of fun,” she replies. “Where watching a film or series is passive, gaming really requires you to engage and get immersed and learn things in order to get to the next bit or complete the challenge.“She tells us that she also loves playing co-op games with friends. “Not really into competitive online games but more relaxed story based co-op games likeBaldur’s GateorIt Takes Twoare so fun to play together,” reveals the gamer girl.

We asked Latter what she loves most about gaming. “It’s a really engaging and active form of fun,” she replies. “Where watching a film or series is passive, gaming really requires you to engage and get immersed and learn things in order to get to the next bit or complete the challenge.”

She tells us that she also loves playing co-op games with friends. “Not really into competitive online games but more relaxed story based co-op games likeBaldur’s GateorIt Takes Twoare so fun to play together,” reveals the gamer girl.

Ornate mirror reflects sky, resembling video game graphics, surrounded by various objects.

Gas station at night reflected perfectly on water, resembling elements from videogames.

Street scene resembling a videogame, with streetlights and night sky creating surreal visuals.

Latter believes game graphics don’t always have to be ultra-realistic - like the photos featured in this list. But it really depends on the game. “For some games, realistic graphics add to the immersion and aid the storytelling, but for other games I think good art direction is much more important,” said the expert.

Golden light from a door window casts a pattern on a wall, resembling a scene from a videogame.

A picturesque village scene with a stream resembling a videogame, featuring houses and lush greenery.

Forest path framed by dense trees, resembling a scene from a videogame.

She tells us that realism doesn’t always equal good. “Some games have amazing graphics/art direction that are far from realistic but are beautiful and stylised, likeNevaorOri and the Blind Forest,” explains Latter.“And then some games have what you might consider ‘bad’ graphics but it’s their aesthetic and people love them and they sell well because the game is a great game.”

She tells us that realism doesn’t always equal good. “Some games have amazing graphics/art direction that are far from realistic but are beautiful and stylised, likeNevaorOri and the Blind Forest,” explains Latter.

“And then some games have what you might consider ‘bad’ graphics but it’s their aesthetic and people love them and they sell well because the game is a great game.”

Flaming trees in a graveyard at night, resembling a dramatic videogame scene.

A child sitting in a dimly lit hallway, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Brick wall with exit sign resembling a scene from a videogame.

Latter says while graphics have improved dramatically over the past few decades, there’s a shift back to a more old-school look. “Recently there has even been a huge trend in imitating PS1-looking graphics from the past,” she told Bored Panda.“It’s budget friendly and people really like the retro, nostalgic feeling. What once was a technical limitation is now an aesthetic that people actively try to recreate.”

Latter says while graphics have improved dramatically over the past few decades, there’s a shift back to a more old-school look. “Recently there has even been a huge trend in imitating PS1-looking graphics from the past,” she told Bored Panda.

“It’s budget friendly and people really like the retro, nostalgic feeling. What once was a technical limitation is now an aesthetic that people actively try to recreate.”

Enchanted forest scene with purple glow on trees, resembling videogame graphics.

A dark, shadowy figure in a dim hallway resembles a scene from a videogame.

Car view of a rainbow-colored road, resembling videogame graphics, with trees and rocks in the background.

Before we released Latter back to her much-deserved holiday, we were curious to know a bit more about the game she recently developed with her husband. It’s calledHadley’s Run: A Starship Sagaand is available on the online gaming platform Steam.She likens it toNova DriftmeetsHades, and says there’s a heavy emphasis on the original soundtrack “as a banging back beat while you shoot down alien baddies.”

Before we released Latter back to her much-deserved holiday, we were curious to know a bit more about the game she recently developed with her husband. It’s calledHadley’s Run: A Starship Sagaand is available on the online gaming platform Steam.

She likens it toNova DriftmeetsHades, and says there’s a heavy emphasis on the original soundtrack “as a banging back beat while you shoot down alien baddies.”

Gas station with circular clouds above, resembling videogame graphics with surreal sky effects.

Tree trunk with glowing red interior, resembling a videogame effect in a real-life setting.

Coffee cup reflecting a structure resembling a videogame scene, with a menu on the table.

Latter describes the game as a top down ‘roguelite’ space shooter adventure. “You are Hadley Orah, the pilot of a mining craft from a South African space colony,” the developer tells Bored Panda.“Going through a portal with an untested piece of tech leaves you stranded and alone in a distant alien galaxy. You must portal jump your way home to defeat the DraadMek and save the universe.”

Latter describes the game as a top down ‘roguelite’ space shooter adventure. “You are Hadley Orah, the pilot of a mining craft from a South African space colony,” the developer tells Bored Panda.

“Going through a portal with an untested piece of tech leaves you stranded and alone in a distant alien galaxy. You must portal jump your way home to defeat the DraadMek and save the universe.”

City skyline with an orange sky, resembling a video game scene with futuristic architecture.

A green door and mailbox stand alone on a sandy beach, resembling a scene from a video game.

Foggy street at night with streetlights casting a glow, resembling a scene from a video game.

“Unlock epic upgrades, explore alien galaxies, make friends, find love and do battle against a relentless alien AI threat,” reads the game’s description, and we’d be lying if we said we weren’t tempted to try it out and get lost in a parallel universe.

A long hallway with striped carpet and a geometric design resembling a scene from a videogame.

A silhouette of a person in a foggy landscape resembling a videogame scene.

A door in dim light with red trim, creating a video game-like appearance.

Snow-covered backyard with trees, glowing reflections evoke videogame-like scenery.

Colorful interior design resembling a video game environment, with geometric patterns on stairs and floor.

A kitchen lit by neon green and blue lights, resembling a scene from a videogame.

A tall building at night resembles videogame graphics with dramatic lighting.

Dimly lit hall with futuristic lighting and reflective floors, resembling a videogame environment.

Airplane window with vibrant purple and blue hues, resembling a scene from a videogame.

A building with a flat façade resembling videogame graphics, under a partly cloudy sky.

A building under a night sky, illuminated by moonlight, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Tunnel exit opens to a bright, lush landscape, resembling a scene straight out of a videogame.

Foggy cityscape at night, illuminated by neon lights, resembling a videogame environment.

A flashlight beam in foggy night looks like a videogame scene.

City building with pink lights at night, resembling a real-life videogame scene.

Ceiling lights resembling a sky with clouds, creating a surreal effect like in videogames.

Objects on a concrete surface in bright sunlight, resembling a scene from a videogame.

A TNT block in a room, resembling videogame graphics with minimalist decor.

Empty bingo hall features vibrant red and blue seats, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Cityscape at sunset with vibrant laser beams, resembling a videogame scene.

Tall illuminated tower in fog, resembling a scene from a video game.

Tree suspended in mid-air, resembling surreal videogame graphics in a lush forest setting.

Tunnel with green lights and cars, resembling a scene from a videogame.

A weather broadcast projected in the sky over a city, resembling a scene from a video game.

Hockey game scene in an arena that resembles graphics from a videogame.

Bubbles in a glass with a golden hue resembling a scene from a videogame.

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Unlimited contentAd-free browsingDark mode

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Concrete wall with emergency exit sign, resembling a videogame scene, against a clear blue sky.

Colorful water stream from a faucet looks like a scene from a videogame.

Door handle emitting light resembling a videogame graphic effect.

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A hallway lit in green light, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Person in knight armor walks on city street, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Forest path illuminated by a warm streetlight, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Light forming a cross shape on a wall, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Street view resembling a videogame scene with traditional wooden buildings and blurred blossoms in the foreground.

Nighttime road scene resembling a videogame environment with neatly trimmed hedges and dark sky.

Stacked stone terraces resembling video game landscapes in a hilly, natural environment.

Miniature cars on a curved path at night resemble video game graphics.

Urban street scene at night with futuristic neon lights, resembling a videogame setting.

Rock pool with swirling green water resembling videogames nearby large boulders.

Kitchen floor with glowing green and blue lights, resembling a scene from a videogame.

A hallway with a glowing door resembles a videogame scene, creating a surreal effect.

Futuristic building with geometric design, resembling videogame architecture in an urban setting.

Cubed tree in urban plaza, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Dimly lit stone tunnel resembling a scene from a videogame.

Aircraft cockpit view at sunset with HUD display, resembling videogame graphics.

Light reflecting a number 1 on wooden floor, resembling video game graphics.

Light reflection on cabinet resembles a speech bubble, reminiscent of videogame graphics.

View through a rifle scope in nature, resembling a videogame scene with boots and foliage in the foreground.

Wooden door with pink light seeping through edges, resembling a scene from a videogame.

A hallway resembling a videogame scene, with tiled floor, paintings on the wall, and an open door leading to a lit room.

Green door in a field resembling a videogame portal, surrounded by grass and trees under a cloudy sky.

Blocky wall light fixture resembling a pixelated torch, illustrating how real-life items can look like videogames.

People dressed as video game characters drive go-karts on a city street at night.

Cable car over a colorful urban hill with graffiti, resembling a scene from a video game.

Pool table room with dim lighting and modern decor, resembling a video game setting.

A cozy living room fireplace with glowing embers resembling a scene from a videogame.

A real-life cave view resembling a video game portal with textured walls and circular opening.

Driving scene with a sunset sky, resembling videogame graphics, reflecting in the car mirror.

Cityscape at night with skyscrapers, resembling a video game scene.

Foggy night scene with streetlights illuminating an empty parking lot, resembling videogame graphics.

A giant mouse character with glowing green and black lighting, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Truck with open cargo bay illuminated at night, resembling a scene from a videogame.

Trash can with light inside, creating a glow that makes it look like a scene from a videogame.

Foggy train station platform resembling a videogame scene with glowing lights and a “4” sign overhead.

Narrow white corridor with a red shopping cart, resembling a scene from videogames.

Coffee cup reflecting neon lights, resembling videogames.

Building facade at night with a projected grid, resembling a video game level.

Theme park area resembling classic videogame level with vibrant colors and iconic characters, creating a real-life videogame look.

Wooden pallet on concrete floor resembles videogame graphics.

A theater hallway resembling videogame graphics, with patterned carpet and movie signs overhead.

Urban parking garage and skyscraper resembling a videogame scene.

A night view of a building with glowing windows on an empty grassy field, resembling a scene from a game.

Nighttime street scene with green laser beam in the sky, creating a real-life look that resembles videogame graphics.

People walking through a maze of yellow barriers on a street, resembling a scene from videogames.

Building exterior with minimalistic design resembling videogame graphics under a clear blue sky.

A hand holding a square block of green herbs resembling an item from a videogame.

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