Video Game Metadata Schema: Controlled Vocabulary VISUAL STYLE - STYLE
Abstract
Abstract is a visual style describing distinct, non-character based
forms. Fractal imagery using a palette with strong colors is a good example. These styles can be symmetrical, geometric, or feature kaleidoscopically swirling patterns.
Cel-shaded
A technique of rendering light and shadow to enhance the
illusion of a 3D surface, giving the modeled entity a
cartoon-like appearance due to the effect of rounding the
edges and eliminating gradations of color. It also gives a
feel of hand-drawn animation.
Comic book
A visual style replicating common artistic elements found in mass-market comic books, such as accentuated character features and broad line strokes.
Anime
Manga
Handicraft
A visual style replicating aspects of hand-made and hand-crafted
objects. It includes a strong emphasis on specific textures and
surfaces. Examples include paper, yarn, and clay
LEGO
The distinctive look of LEGO™ figures and sets.
Map-based
A visual style emphasizing maps and map-based gameplay. Game spaces usually consist of small rectangular or hexagonal graphic images like tiles, and players typically have a top-down or isometric view throughout gameplay.
Other
When the visual style cannot be described by any of terms in the style facet, please record “other.”
Pixel art
The use of pixelated, typically sprite-based visuals found in early 8 and 16-bit games, and in modern games intending to replicate it.
Realistic
A style portraying characters and environments by attempting to
achieve visual parity with real-world references.
Silhouette
A style in which characters or environments are represented as a
solid shape of a single color, or only a couple of colors, usually
black. The interior of a silhouette is often featureless, and the
whole is typically presented with a sparse background.
Stylized
An illustrative style capturing or distorting distinctive features
of a character or object in order to capture a visual likeness.
Simplified characters or objects can be considered stylized.
Text
A visual style where the game is primarily conveyed through text.
Watercolor
A visual style where characters and environments are
presented as though they are painted in water color.
Published