Sometimes I wonder the logic behind making games exclusive to a platform when sales can be significantly boosted by making it available on every platform. Then, I remember that the console war is real. By making games exclusive to one platform, console makers entice players to purchase their consoles. Thankfully, video game art books are free to all.
Let’s say you own an Xbox but always wanted to have a feel of some of the PlayStation-exclusive games, video game art books will give you the opportunity to bypass the console restrictions and get lost in the world of those PlayStation games.
Even if you own a PlayStation, a video game art book can give you more insights about the character and world of a story. In fact, one thing that the pages of video game art books do very well is to humanize characters and walk you through the thought process of creators.
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That is where you will get to read about the characters in the game and even get a hint about their creation. Some of the information in Video game art books may be included in the game but the truth is that most players will be too engrossed in the game’s story to care to read it.
15 Must-Have PlayStation exclusive video game art books
While I wished that there would be a video game art book for every single game released, that has not been the case. For example, Infamous Second Son is one game I loved but it never got a video game art book, at least none that I know.
However, I recently stumbled on the game on Flipkart and it was listed with Artbook. However, at the time I checked it was sold out. Also, that seems to be the only place I have seen an art book of the game mentioned.
There are several other PlayStation exclusives that never got an art book released for it. However, I scoured Amazon to find all the video game art books of PlayStation exclusives. Have a look at them below and tell me in the comment section how many of them you already own.
#1. The Art of Ghost of Tsushima
This 208-page video game art book will take you on an incredible ride into the world of Ghost of Tsushima. It features elegant details of the characters, landscapes, and diagrams of Samurai sword-fighting techniques. In the pages of this book, you will be exposed to the storyboards and some of the most “expressive cinematic moments of the game. Get it here.
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#2. The Art of Horizon Forbidden West
Aloy is one of the characters that I find really captivating. She epitomizes beauty and bravery in her fight against a mysterious red blight that is threatening all life forms. It is the sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn. The 224-page video game art book of Horizon Forbidden West will take you through the behind-the-scenes artworks. Also, you will get an intimate developer commentary which will help you to better appreciate the volume of work that goes into the creation of video games. Get it here.
#3. The Art of Horizon Zero Dawn
Gamers were first introduced to Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn. Created by Guerilla Games, it sparked an interesting series that shines to this day. Although it has just 192 pages, this video game art book has over 300 images, sketches, and concept art. Also, you will get to read commentaries from creators and artists and have a glimpse of their thought patterns. It is one of the most reviewed and highly rated video game artbooks of a PlayStation exclusive. Get it here.
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#4. The Art of God of War Ragnarök
The Art of God of War Ragnarök is 240 pages of awesomeness. Now a young man, Atreus is learning to control his shape-shifting power as he journeys with his father to stop the threat of Ragnarök. This video game art book was passionately assembled to shine a light on parenthood, destiny, and adventure. You will find stunning, never-seen-before concept art, characters, creatures, and artifacts that will make your jaws drop in awe. Get it here.
#5. The Art of God of War
In 2018, Santa Monica Studios reimagined the original God of War trilogy and brought Atreus into the game. However, he only became a playable character in God of War Ragnarök. At 184 pages, it is a long shot smaller than the artbook of God or War Ragnarök. However, it is not less interesting. The game marked a new beginning for Kratos who has become more family oriented. The art of God of War is your window to the behind-the-scenes creation of the game. Get it here.
#6. The Art of God of War III
God of War III was the last in the original God of War trilogy. It followed Kratos on his vengeful mission to slaughter every god in Olympus. Although he succeeded, it came at a huge cost. I have a hunch that this 272-page video game art book of God of War II was not officially commissioned by Santa Monica Studios. However, it was created by Ballistic Publishing which has partnered with Sony Interactive Entertainment for several other projects. Nevertheless, it was still a great book that was befitting of the game. Get it here.
#7. The Art of The Last of Us
Naughty Dog Studios created something really exceptional in The Last of Us. The horror survival game went ahead to win several awards. Earlier this year it debuted on cinema screens and also garnered accolades. The 184-page video game art book features concept art, character designs, landscapes, and settings of the game in a way that has never been seen before. It is more of a companion that will help you to better appreciate the game. Get it here.
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#8. The Art of The Last of Us Part II
The video game artbook for The Last of Us Part II is a few pages bigger than Part I. The game is a continuation of Ellie’s epic survival battle. However, this time she will not be making the journey with Joel, but rather with newfound friends. In the 200 pages of this epic book, you will find artwork and concept art that will reveal new angles to the game. Get it here.
#9. The Art of Uncharted 4
The Uncharted series came to an end with Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. While not everyone is a fan of replaying a campaign they have finished playing, video game art books provide you with the opportunity to relive the experience of the game over and over again. The art book of Uncharted 4 contains 184 pages filled with behind-the-scenes experience including never-before-seen designs and concept art alongside commentary from the developers. Get it here.
#10. The Art of Uncharted 2
If you loved Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, flipping through the pages of its artbook will get you further hooked. When it was released, it was considered the biggest Ballistic Publishing art book because it had 272 pages. This video game art book comes with hundreds of drawings, paintings, cinematics, motion capture, animations, effects, and early sculpts that birthed Nathan Drake’s world. Get it here.
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#11. The Art of Uncharted Trilogy
The Uncharted trilogy contains the first three games in the series namely Drake’s Fortune, Among Thieves, and Drake’s Deception. It appears the trilogy was trimmed down. It has just 192 pages which is far less than Uncharted 2 as a standalone art book. Like most video game art books, this one also comes with interesting and insightful commentaries from the game’s creators. It is a must-have for Uncharted fans. Get it here.
#12. The Art of Ratchet & Clank
Ratchet & Clank is one of the most iconic IPs of the PlayStation franchise. Considered the most unlikely heroes of the cosmos, Ratchet & Clank continue to journey across the stars, fighting evil invaders, rescuing innocent civilizations, taking down evil corporations, defeating robot armies, and forming alliances with interstellar pirates. This 248-page video game art book will take you on a ride across the cosmos. Get it here.
#13. The Art of Spider-Man
PlayStation sent players into a frenzy with the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man. Mentor quickly turned to foe and Peter was left with making the tough choice between saving Aunt May and the rest of New York City. Although the game was story-driven, the 192-page art book will draw you deeper into Marvel’s New York City with exclusive insights. It is a must-have for those who love story-driven games. Get it here.
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#14. The Art of Spider-Man: Miles Morales
After the events of Spider-Man, Miles Morales got his own spinoff where he had to fight his best friend who turned vile from grief. Miles must find a way to keep his new home, Harlem, safe as well as learn to control new abilities. The 192-page video game art book of Spider-Man: Miles Morales features characters, locations, tech, gadgets, Spider suits, and many more. Get it here.
#15. The Art of Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 is one of the biggest releases of 2023 with many calling it The Game of the Year contender. It is a sequel to Spider-Man and introduces new gameplay mechanics and several other villains. Of all the video game art books in the Spider-man video game franchise, Spider-Man 2 is the largest with 248 pages. It is easy to understand since there are two wall crawlers rather than just one. Get it here.
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Before you go
Becoming a collector of video game art books is satisfying and has its special perks. Firstly, you don’t have to worry about security checks or running out of battery when you are traveling. Also, you can relive any game as frequently as you want. Most importantly, they are the gateway into the mind of the creators and contain character, arsenal, and world information that you may never see in the game.
How many of the video game art books on this list do you own, and which are you buying next? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
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