What’s with the new open-world rpg art looking like an older game?

[RobertAB]

I just saw the leaked screenshots for the new open-world RPG, and the art style looks incredibly similar to that of a game from a few years ago. It’s making me wonder if they’re reusing assets or if this is just a case of the same lead artist working on both projects.

[Joshua_R]

I saw those leaked screens and my first thought was the art looks familiar, like maybe the same textures or props from a couple years ago. I compared a couple of shots side by side and the cliff textures and tree silhouettes line up pretty close. It makes me wonder if assets got reused or if the same lead artist is juggling multiple projects. It’s not conclusive, just odd coincidences that stuck out.

[VioletJH]

I tried to analyze it without assuming foul play. It could be the engine lighting and post processing doing a lot of the heavy lifting, which can make different art feel similar. I checked a few interviews and dev blogs and didn’t see a concrete statement about asset reuse. I’m not convinced either way.

[RobertUS]

Could the real issue be something else entirely, like a taste for safe silhouettes or a shared art direction that filters down to props anyway? I did a quick look at character rigs and some animation loops; they look broadly similar, but I can’t tell if that’s shared assets or just common approach. Not sure if this is the right angle, but it’s what I’m thinking in the moment.

[CharlesGH]

I loaded a demo area and started wandering, and yes the world felt polished but a little generic in spots. The grass, rocks, and lighting didn’t scream originality, but then a few NPCs showed small facial variances that felt earned. I skimmed the credits and nothing obvious tied to a single shaping hand. Again, not proof, just impressions from a quick play session.