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SALT LAKE CITY -- A new video game created by a Utah company is making big waves in the gaming world. The artwork may be one reason why. Developers say the need for good artists is only getting bigger in their industry.
In about 10 hours yesterday, Chair Entertainments latest game, Infinity Blade II, became the top grossing app on iTunes.
Critics are using words like "stunning" and "gorgeous" to describe the game's artwork.
"Much of our time was focused on amazing design, making sure the lighting was just perfect and making sure the mood of the environments was just dripping with sunlight," said Chair Entertainment co-founder Donald Mustard.
Mustard said it's the little details that make the make the world they've created as rich as possible. These details include petals on the trees and fish swimming in ponds.
Ironically, artwork wasn't their first focus. Mustard says their first priority was to make the game fun to play.
"Once the game was fun, we could really focus our attention on the art," he said. "It was something that we really think is core to the Infinity Blade experience is this beautiful art direction and beautiful art."
Mustard said technology and graphic capabilities have improved so much, game makers are free to make the games they always intended. Before, a developer's hands were tied, and the artwork was limited to what the technology could do.
The demand for good artists is not limited to people who are trained in computer graphics. Mustard says they might even use the work of a painter who taught himself at home.
"We need great artists. Video games are just getting bigger."
He says one reason they based the company in Utah is to be close to the graphic artists graduating from the University of Utah and BYU.
"If you look at the University of Utah and at Brigham Young University, some of the world's best graphic talent has come through those schools."
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