Forging Worlds: Stories Behind the Art of Blizzard Entertainment

Blizzard has been pushing boundaries and breaking expectations of what it means to draw for video games for thirty years. This compendium is fans' ultimate keys to the kingdom of three decades in Blizzard artistry, with insights from more than fifty artists, animators, designers, and storytellers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd

Blizzard has been a game-changer in the world of video game art for thirty years, pushing boundaries and breaking expectations. Get a glimpse behind the curtain at how art has evolved at Blizzard and meet some of the artists who have shaped Blizzard's style and range to what it is today. Discover how art cross-pollinated amongst game teams and how grassroots movements from fans inspired some of Blizzard's most iconic artwork. With insights from more than fifty artists, animators, designers, and storytellers, this sweeping compendium is the ultimate key to the kingdom of three decades in Blizzard artistry.

Blizzard has been a trailblazer in the world of video game art for three decades, continuously pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to create stunning visuals for games. In this comprehensive compendium, we take a deep dive into the evolution of art at Blizzard and explore the impact of the talented artists who have shaped the company's iconic style and diverse range of games.

From the early days of Blizzard's inception, the company has been committed to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Founder and CEO Mike Morhaime recognized the importance of art in creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences and invested in nurturing a team of talented artists and designers. Over the years, Blizzard has assembled a diverse and talented group of artists, animators, designers, and storytellers who have worked together to create some of the most visually stunning and memorable games in the industry.

One of the key aspects of Blizzard's artistic evolution has been the cross-pollination of ideas and expertise amongst different game teams. Each game team within Blizzard is comprised of talented individuals with their unique skills and perspectives, and this collaboration has led to the creation of some of the most innovative and visually stunning games in the industry. For example, the art team for Blizzard's popular World of Warcraft series worked closely with the game's developers to create a visually rich and immersive world that immerses players in the game's rich lore and mythology.

Similarly, the art team for Blizzard's Overwatch series collaborated closely with the game's designers to create a visually distinct and vibrant world that reflects the game's unique characters and themes. The result is a game that is both visually stunning and highly engaging, with a wide range of characters and environments that players can explore and enjoy.

Blizzard's artistic vision has also been heavily influenced by grassroots movements from fans. The company has a strong and active community of fans who are passionate about their games and are eager to contribute to the artistic development of their favorite titles. Blizzard has been receptive to fan feedback and has often incorporated fan-created artwork and designs into their games. For example, the iconic character of Tracer from Overwatch was inspired by a fan-created concept that was submitted to Blizzard's website.

Another example of fan-inspired artwork is the concept art for the upcoming expansion for Blizzard's World of Warcraft, Shadowlands. The expansion's concept art was created by a team of talented artists who were inspired by fan feedback and suggestions. The result is a visually stunning and immersive world that fans are eagerly anticipating.

In addition to the cross-pollination of ideas and the influence of fans, Blizzard has also been committed to investing in the latest technology and tools to enhance their artistic capabilities. The company has a state-of-the-art animation studio that uses the latest software and hardware to create stunning animations and effects for their games. Blizzard has also invested in virtual reality technology, which has allowed artists to create immersive and interactive experiences for players.

One of the most notable examples of Blizzard's artistic innovation is the use of 3D modeling and rendering in their games. The company has been pioneers in the use of 3D technology in video games, and their games are known for their detailed and lifelike graphics. For example, the character models in Blizzard's World of Warcraft series are highly detailed and realistic, and the game's environments are meticulously crafted to create a sense of immersion and depth.

Blizzard's commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression has paid off in numerous ways. The company's games have won numerous awards for their visual design and artistic innovation, and their games have been praised for their immersive and engaging gameplay. Blizzard's artistic vision has also inspired other game developers and artists in the industry, and the company has been a leading force in shaping the future of video game art.

In conclusion, Blizzard has been a game-changer in the world of video game art for three decades, pushing boundaries and breaking expectations. The company's commitment to nurturing talented artists and designers, as well as the cross-pollination of ideas and expertise amongst different game teams, has led to the creation of some of the most visually stunning and memorable games in the industry. Blizzard's artistic vision has also been heavily influenced by grassroots movements from fans, and the company has been receptive to fan feedback and suggestions. With the latest technology and tools at their disposal, Blizzard is well-positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in the years to come.

Weight: 2456g
Dimension: 246 x 332 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789097542