Daniel Nikoi Djanie
On what mobile game art
can offer artists…
What’s behind the new focus on art in mobile gaming?
For years, art was considered as a relatively disposal element to mobile gaming. Now the industry is moving in the direction of more artistic quality. The impact of indie titles and art-driven games such as Angry Birds, Monument Valley or Bastion are in my opinion the reason for this change.
What are the benefits to artists of working in mobile games?
As a newbie you have the chance to work on more different aspects of game art when you work for a mobile company. In AAA production often you’ll be stuck in one area, which can be very frustrating if, for example, you only produce the same kind of assets. The production cycles are generally much shorter for mobile games. This way ideas can be tested in shorter time periods, and means there are more opportunities to create new stuff. Often productions can run parallel, which leads to more space for daring projects.
What about downsides?
You’re often producing art for the recycle bin. Due to the shorter production cycles, projects are cancelled more often than in AAA game companies. The time pressure in the mobile game industry also leads to compromises regarding the quality in order to achieve the production milestones.
What advice would you give an artist looking to get into the mobile game industry?
Show that you know your skills. Understand that your portfolio is only as good as your weakest work. And show that you’re passionate for what you’re doing.