The 11 Best Video Game Art Books

Video games are an amazing form of interactive entertainment and art, combining visual elements with thrilling gameplay to create immersive worlds. For those looking to explore the creative side of gaming further, these eleven video game art books offer detailed insights into some of the most beloved titles in gaming history. These collections showcase concept art, development sketches, interviews with developers and artists – making them a must-have for any fan wishing to dive deeper into their favorite franchises.

1. The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia
   
   Nintendo
   Published in 2018
   
   

   The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia is the perfect companion for any fan of the iconic video game franchise. This 320-page book offers a comprehensive overview, from The Legend of Zelda to Twilight Princess HD, as well as an expansive database on items and enemies encountered in each installment. It includes rare development sketches of beloved characters and extensive maps outlining Hyrule’s timeline. Also featured are exclusive interviews with Series Producer Eiji Aonuma, concept art, screencaps, languages used within the games and much more! With its high quality hardback covers and pages full of captivating information about this long running series it makes for an excellent addition to anyone’s collection who have been entranced by Nintendo’s classic titles over the past 30 years.

2. The Art of Dead Space
   
   Martin Robinson
   Published in 2013
   
   

   The Art of Dead Space is an exquisite 192 page hardcover book packed with awe-inspiring artwork from the beloved video game series. It features more than 300 images including sketches and concept art, plus commentary from the artists themselves to provide insight into their creative process. The collection covers all four games in the series: Dead Space, Extraction, Ignition, and Deadspace 2. Fans will be delighted by this ultimate gallery as it offers a glimpse behind the scenes at what went into creating such a captivating universe. From breathtaking spacescapes to terrifying necromorphs; character designs to constructing religions – no stone has been left unturned in providing readers with an unforgettable experience! This lavish book showcases intricate visuals that are sure to impress any fan or collector’s library.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts
   
   Nintendo
   Published in 2017
   
   

   The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts is an essential purchase for all fans of the iconic franchise. Featuring over 400 pages of illustrations from the thirty-year history, it includes rare and never before seen content presented in a captivating hardcover format. This gorgeous book captures masterpieces from across the entire series including box art, instruction booklet illustrations, official character artwork, sprite art and more. Complete with interviews with some of the artists behind The Legend Of Zelda™ series as well as promotional pieces, this unique collection will immerse readers into fine details on every page! Printed on high quality paper in an oversized edition for optimal visibility; get ready to be dazzled by each piece included within this spectacular volume – making it perfect for any collector or enthusiast looking to relive their favorite moments from Hyrule’s illustrious past and anticipate its future!

4. Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania
   
   Square Enix, Studio BentStuff, Digital Hearts
   Published in 2021
   
   

   Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania is an impressive, hardcover book that captures the stunning aesthetics of one of the most beloved RPGs. It provides a comprehensive collection of art assets and production materials used during game development, including detailed character models and illustrations, backgrounds, weapons and more. Accompanying this visual reference material are staff commentary notes as well as interviews with Japanese voice actors. This 300+ page volume also features costume references, cutscene storyboards and song liner notes from sound staff members – all in full-colour presentation on glossy pages! An ideal item for any Final Fantasy fanatic who appreciates behind-the-scenes insight into their favourite games series, readers will find themselves immersed in the creative process while admiring beautiful artwork at every turn.

5. The Game Console 2.0
   
   Evan Amos
   Published in 2021
   
   

   The Game Console 2.0 is an updated, expanded edition of the popular coffee table book that serves as a comprehensive archive on video game consoles and their electronic interiors. This revised collection features detailed photos of more than 100 systems spanning five decades and nine generations, from market leading models to lesser known gems like the Unisonic Champion 2711. With coverage of classic machines such as the Magnavox Odyssey, Atari 2600 and NES; mid-2000s offerings; modern day Switch, Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 devices plus so much more – this ultimate guide to gaming history will be sure to delight geeks and gamers alike! A must-have for any fan or collector’s library, The Game Console 2.0 provides fascinating insights into everyone’s favorite pastime with beautiful imagery throughout its 50 extra pages compared to earlier editions

6. The World of Cyberpunk 2077
   
   Marcin Batylda
   Published in 2020
   
   

   The World of Cyberpunk 2077 is an essential book for any fan of the long-awaited game. Comprehensive, full-color and exquisitely designed pages transport readers to the dystopian megalopolis of Night City in all its futuristic glory. This exhaustive account reveals every detail about this captivating world: from its economic decline, gangs and districts to advanced cybernetics, weapons and vehicles – it has everything you need to know! Inside are insightful explorations into the lore as well as exclusive interviews with prominent characters from the universe, like Judy Alveraz who delves into Brain Dances. The physical quality is robust; however there may be corner curling due to thickness of paper used during printing. Overall this compilation provides a great snapshot summary of Cyberpunk’s expansive history that will no doubt enhance your gaming experience!

7. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild–Creating a Champion
   
   Nintendo
   Published in 2018
   
   

   The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild–Creating a Champion is an essential acquisition for fans of this award-winning video game. This oversized hardcover tome delves deep into the making of The Legend Of Zelda, presenting insight and sketches from creators Takumi Wada, Hidemaro Fujibayashi, Satoru Takizawa and Eiji Aonuma. It also contains a 55 page historical section which offers an in-depth look at Hyrule before its transformation. With nearly 50 pages of illustrations, 296 pages full of design artwork as well as interviews with key members behind the development team – it’s no wonder why this book has become one of their most successful installments yet! Readers will appreciate this beautiful collection that reveals secrets about some classic characters we all know and love; Mario, Link, Luigi, Donkey Kong and Kirby are just some examples. Boasting hefty construction quality with thick glossy pages; The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild– Creating A Champion is sure to make a great addition to any fan’s library or coffee table!

8. Super Mario 2023 Wall Calendar
   
   Nintendo
   Published in 2022
   
   

   The Super Mario 2023 Wall Calendar is the perfect gift for any fan of the iconic video game series. Featuring twelve months of colorful art, this calendar will bring a smile to fans’ faces as they explore the Mushroom Kingdom with characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Yoshi. The FSC-certified paper with soy-based ink ensures long lasting quality throughout its span from January until December 2023. Moreover, a planning spread between September and December 2022 allows users to plan ahead while additional features such as moon phases based on Universal Time and widely celebrated holidays provide added convenience. With 25 images depicting various characters and icons in full color detail, this wall calendar is sure to be an entertaining journey all year round!

9. Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2023 Wall Calendar
   
   Nintendo
   Published in 2022
   
   

   This 12-month wall calendar celebrates the highly acclaimed video game The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild. With 13 stunning illustrations, it invites readers to embark on an epic adventure as they join Link’s quest to save Hyrule. Starting at the Great Plateau and ending in Hyrule Castle, each month features beloved characters such as Zelda and the Champions. Additionally, this FSC-certified piece includes a planning spread for September–December 2022 plus widely celebrated holidays and moon phases based on Universal Time. This is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages who will love having these captivating images gracing their walls throughout 2023!

10. The Art of Super Mario Odyssey
    
    Nintendo
    Published in 2019
    
    

    The Art of Super Mario Odyssey is an incredible 368-page hardcover volume exploring the world of this much beloved video game. With concept art, preliminary sketches and notes from the development team, as well as insight into some early ideas that didn’t make it to the final version, this book takes readers on a captivating journey through every angle of its creation. This work was produced by Nintendo – one of the premier gaming companies in the world – bringing with it iconic characters such as Mario, Link and Kirby for players to enjoy. Not only does The Art Of Super Mario Odyssey feature 3D and 2D renders from promotional material but also storyboards of cinematics plus unique screenshots showing off features not easily noticed before. For both families looking for entertainment or aspiring artists searching for wisdom within visuals, this behemoth offers plenty! A must have addition to any coffee table collection or fan’s library alike.

11. Dark Souls: Design Works
    
    From Software
    Published in 2014
    
    

    Dark Souls: Design Works is a stunning hardcover collection of artwork from the renowned video game. Featuring key visuals, concept art, character and monster designs, rough sketches and an exclusive in-depth interview with its creators, this 128 page book makes for a fantastic purchase for any fan of Dark Souls. Whether it be spectacular graphics or interesting insights into production decisions that have captivated players since 2011 there is something to discover within every corner of these pages. With beautiful cover design printed on sandpaper texture featuring Lord Gwyn alongside high gloss printing – no detail has been overlooked! Although some may feel let down by lack of text describing each piece and resolution issues which detract from certain images; overall this compendium provides hours worth of entertainment as you explore what went into making such an iconic title. An absolute must-have addition to your library if you consider yourself even slightly invested in the legacy behind one of gaming’s most beloved series.