Whether you admit it or not, video games are an art form. This is even more evident when you see the groundwork laid behind them, created by incredibly talented illustrators and writers. That's why one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a video game's world without needing to plug anything in is with concept art books. These books showcase the work of amazing artists in a full-color format that's truly worth seeing and holding. So, we've compiled a list of the best video game art books you can find right now.
Video game art books, a museum of your favorite titles
The video game industry moves more money than the movie industry and current hit titles sometimes have a bigger budget than Hollywood blockbusters.
That's why, to create their worlds and characters, they hire the best visual artists available . Illustrators and designers imagine the world through their drawings and sketches, which become true collector's items.
All this is compiled in books that are jewels, not only for video game fans, but for all those who enjoy contemplating a good work of art.
That's why we're showing you some of the best video game art books you can find.
The best video game art books in Spanish
We begin this selection with some of the best video game concept art books you can find translated into our language . Along with drawings and illustrations, they usually include information about their creation, discarded versions, and all sorts of interesting details about your favorite games.
Being in our language, you make sure you don't miss anything.
The world of The Witcher, compendium of the video game
We begin our review with the video game that spawned the hit series . The book *The World of The Witcher* is not only the most comprehensive guide to the universe of Geralt of Rivia, but its wealth of illustrations makes it the best video game art book.
One of the oldest on the list (2015), this collaboration between CD Project Red and Norma Editorial will delight fans and immerse us in the weapons, characters, locations, and monsters of The Witcher universe.
So you can be one of those who points out the differences between the books, the game and the series and that nobody ever loves you.
- Dimensions: 17,5 x 11 centimeters
- 184 pages
The art of Atari, for the most nostalgic
With all due respect to Nintendo, in the early days of video games, Atari was synonymous with consoles and legendary games. The iconic brand drew upon a pool of incredible artists to create the cover art for its video games.
A true collector's item, The Art of Atari brings together those covers of Centipede, Asteroids and many more with an undeniable vintage 70s flavor.
It will undoubtedly bring back memories for the older fans and offer a retro look for the newer ones.
- Dimensions: 17,5 x 11 centimeters
- 352 pages
The Legend of Zelda: Art and Artifacts
With all due respect to Mario, The Legend of Zelda is precisely that, a legend of video games and of Nintendo's living history.
To enjoy it and immerse yourself in its world without even needing to plug in your console, you have this phenomenal book of concept art and illustrations of the video game heroes and villains . It also includes promotional images and illustrations from the instruction manuals of the various titles in the series.
Whether you're a fan or not, it's one of the best video game art books.
- Dimensions: 30 x 22,5 centimeters
- 424 pages
the art of uncharted
With the recent film, the Uncharted saga comes to life once again. If you want to relive it and admire the art that brought to life one of the most successful franchises in the video game industry, then The Art of Uncharted is for you.
It includes never-before-seen designs and spans the different titles in the collection. So, you know what to do: join Drake and Sully to capture this work of art.
- Dimensions: 30 x 22,8 centimeters
- 368 pages
The art of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
If there is one thing that characterizes Assassin's Creed, it is its faithful recreation of settings and its production design , which allows you to immerse yourself in the era and characters in which each video game of the franchise is set.
That attention to detail begins with the design of his art and this book, dedicated to the most recent title in the series, takes us to the Viking lands.
From landscapes to ships, weapons and buildings , you can't miss this art book if you're a fan of the saga.
- Dimensions: 20 x 22 centimeters
- 192 pages
The Art of A Plague Tale: Requiem (Spanish)
Published by GTM Ediciones and PLAION Spain, this book chronicles the design and creation process of the next installment in A Plague Tale , the spectacular game from Asobo Studio that arrived in stores on October 18, 2022. This illustrated compendium contains a wealth of exclusive materials, concept art, and even commentary, information, and interviews that will help you further immerse yourself in the adventure and delve deeper into the game's incredible story. Presented entirely in Spanish, it's the perfect complement to fully savor the experience as you explore the colorful landscapes of southeastern France. And as if that weren't enough, it includes a foreword written by Neil Druckmann himself.
- Dimensions: 30 x 27,5 centimeters
- 192 pages
The best video game art books in English
Since these kinds of volumes are collector's items that end up in the hands of a few fans, many of the best video game art books are only available in English.
However, they are not difficult to obtain in our country thanks to Amazon and the experience, in most cases, is not ruined by the language.
The art they contain speaks for itself and, really, another of the many positive things that videogames have is that, whether we like it or not, we learn languages.
And we start the best video game art books in English with the one I like the most, which is what my list is for.
The art of Death Stranding (English)
One of my favourites, Hideo Kojima's concept art book for the video game is in English, but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of looking at its brilliant production design.
Hundreds of illustrations of characters, creatures and places from the desolate world that Sam Bridges has to travel through also accompany some frankly curious discarded material .
A joy if you like the game.
- Dimensions: 30 x 22,5 centimeters
- 256 pages
The Art of Mass Effect Trilogy Expanded Edition
That Mass Effect is a trilogy that marked the history of video games is undeniable. This is evidenced by the fact that this art book is a bestseller and compiles the best of the different games.
Not only that, this Expanded Edition (beware, because there is a non-expanded version with less material), also includes the artwork from the various DLCs of the saga.
- Dimensions: 31 x 23 centimeters
- 264 pages
The world of Cyberpunk 2077 (English)
I think everything's been said about this video game, so there's not much point in dwelling on it or kicking a man when he's down. Cyberpunk 2077 is what it is, but its art book is a different story.
What cannot be denied is that the game's production design is very good, and that particular style is reflected in the book The World of Cyberpunk 2077.
History, characters, weapons and Night City , detailed in full color in 200 pages that transport us to a future of enhanced humans and merciless mercenaries.
- Dimensions: 18 x 11 centimeters
- 200 pages
The art of Last of Us II
That the Last of Us games are a work of art in many ways is demonstrated by the excellent book The art of Last of Us II.
Video game company Naught Dog and publisher Dark Horse have teamed up for this hardcover volume that shows us the concept art and how one of the most talked-about games of recent years was made.
- Dimensions: 31 x 23,5 centimeters
- 200 pages
The Unofficial SNES Pixel Book (English)
This incredible compilation of sprites and graphics used in Super Nintendo games will take you to a vast graphic world where one pixel could say a lot. This book was originally published in German, and the folks at Bitmap Books took it upon themselves to translate into English and infuse their unique style of excellent finishing into the book. It is a highly recommended volume for 16-bit lovers, since they will be able to discover designs that not only innovated in their day, but also served as a source of inspiration for future projects.
- Dimensions: 31 x 23,5 centimeters
- 272 pages
As you can see, there is something for all tastes, from the most nostalgic of the early days, to the latest fashionable title, which shows that it is time for video games to take their place in art.
But until then, we can experience it and touch it with these picture books of the games. Whichever you choose, you will not fail.
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