Eugene Evans of Mythic Ent., feels that the cost of development goes up as the quality of the art in games improves. Consumers are drawn to stunning visual, as in his company’s upcoming Imperator (right). © 2005 Mythic Ent.

There are a number of new tools and techniques for game artists to employ in their quest for more stylized, unique, realistic and ultimately beautiful worlds. The biggest issue facing these creators is the freedom to perform their jobs. Without more time, which we all know translates into more money, game artists will be hindered. Maybe some forward thinking company will fund a next gen project and allow an exceptional art team to show off their full abilities. It will happen, but probably not before a sleeper hit gets there on sheer will power.

Fred Galpern is the art manager for Blue Fang Games in Waltham, Massachusetts. Since entering the videogame field more than six years ago, Galpern has held management positions in several game and entertainment companies, including Hasbro and Looking Glass Studios. He began his art career as a comicbook creator and also has professional graphic design experience. He has created characters and developed stories for numerous children’s television series. Galpern has satisfied his long-standing interest in education by teaching at several New England colleges. He is also an adjunct instructor at Bristol Community College, where he co-created the associates degree gaming curriculum.