You cannot deny the sheer technological feats demonstrated in the latest Grand Theft Auto VI trailer. Major studios like Rockstar Games continue to push the envelope with graphical fidelity that contributes to immersion. However, not every game can be the next Grand Theft Auto, and AAA studios could take a page from indie developers with a return to “retro” graphics.

There is an ugly side to the gaming industry, one that many are aware–rising prices and the never-ending line of layoffs. While industry struggles are complex and cannot be discussed in its entirety in this post, we know that one factor is production cost versus return on investment. Square Enix is one such example that tends to over-project sales, leading to “disappointing” results with the Tomb Raider reboot and Guardians of the Galaxy.

I certainly can’t move the needle with lofty expectations, but let’s look at the indie scene. There is an overwhelming number of games that leverage “retro” graphics. Sure, pixel or PS1-style graphics cater to nostalgia, but it also can be a cost saver. Indie developers have proven time and time again that video games with simple art styles can still be as stellar as one that looks realistic.

Don’t take it from just me. According to an article by MLC Studios, “The Indie Developer’s Guide to Game Art Styles”, pixel styles are considered budget-friendly and low-poly 3D art is considered low to medium cost (but still much less than high-end 3D). Does this mean these two styles are low effort? Absolutely not! Pixel art styles can still be time consuming, especially if you want details to pop with every blade of grass. Low poly can become more labor-intensive the larger environment. And when the proper love and care is put into these styles, you can give birth to an award winning game.

For example, Balatro won Indie Game of the Year 2024 and Sea of Stars won the year before. Both look nothing like GTA VI, and yet, their charm won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of players. These retro art styles are still on fire, as we look forward to various indie titles such as Whisper Mountain Outbreak, Fretless, The Fractured Shimmer, Primal Planet, GlitchSPANKR, and Petal Runner.

Game developers can revive an older graphical art style and make it enjoyable with modern gameplay sensibilities. Long are the days where we need to move from screen to screen in only four directions. Character movement can flow seamlessly through the digital environment, no matter what it looks like. Therefore, these AAA titans can still produce quality games without making major sacrifices (or set risky financial goals).

Do you think AAA studios are missing a golden opportunity if they overlook pixel and low poly art styles? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.

The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast About Video Games

The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of Boss Rush Media and The Boss Rush Network. Each week, hosts Corey Dirrig, LeRon Dawkins, Stephanie Klimov, and Pat Klein, as well as their friends, fellow content creators, developers, and industry veterans come together to discuss their week in gaming, including what they’ve been playing, a randomly chosen rotating weekly segment, the Boss Rush Banter of the week, answer community write-ins, and more. New episodes are released every Thursday. Members of The Boss Rush Network’s Patreon will receive the exclusive Pre-Show at any tier along with other perks.

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Source: Game Rant, MLC Studio, Screen Rant

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