'Islands: Non-Places' is a unique game. It couldn't be farther from the most popular console games like 'Overwatch' or 'Call of Duty,' games that emphasize fast-paced action and violence. Even though it's a smartphone game, it's equally dissimilar to popular casual games like 'Candy Crush' or 'Clash of Clans.' Rather, Islands: Non-Places is a smartphone game for aesthetes that emphasizes haunting visuals and beautiful artwork.
The game was created by Carl Burton, who's artwork was used for the illustrations on the second season of Serial. It features neither characters nor plot in the strictest sense. Instead, it leads gamers around the mazes of Burton's animations, letting them tap through the peaceful yet creepy environments that he has created out of everyday interstices like waiting rooms and bus stops.
Art-Based Smartphone Games
'Islands: Non-Places' Is a Show of Both Aesthetics and Gameplay
Trend Themes
1. Art-based Smartphone Games - Opportunity for game developers to create smartphone games that focus on aesthetics and artwork, offering a different gaming experience.
2. Aesthetes Gaming - Growing market for smartphone games that cater to aesthetically-minded gamers, providing visually stunning and immersive gameplay.
3. Haunting Visuals in Gaming - Opportunity for game designers to explore the use of haunting visuals and atmospheric environments in smartphone games, creating a unique and atmospheric gaming experience.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Gaming - Mobile game developers can capitalize on the trend of art-based smartphone games by creating visually immersive gaming experiences for a variety of gamers.
2. Art and Design - Artists and designers can collaborate with game developers to create visually stunning artwork and environments for art-based smartphone games.
3. Entertainment - The entertainment industry can leverage the trend of art-based smartphone games to engage aesthetically-minded gamers and provide a different form of digital entertainment.