If you're unsure of what new game to buy your special someone this holiday season and don't want to chance picking something he or she may abhor, I'd like to suggest that you skip the game altogether and go for something a little unexpected: game-related art. Whether prints, posters, statues or toys, video games are moving off your televisions and monitors and into a variety of artistic mediums -- and all available for your shopping pleasure via the miracle of the internet. For your convenience and to help you get started in your search for just the right present, I've put together a little list of 9 potential game-related art gifts.
Perfect for the apartment dweller, Blik wall decals require no nails or pins and are easily removed without damaging your walls. Shown above are Blik's Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong, I AM 8-BIT and Invader sets. A single set of decals costs anywhere from $40 to $75.
Scott C.'s Great Showdowns (of the 8-Bit Era) vol. 2 is a limited edition set of five prints that was part of the last I AM 8-BIT show. At $100 for the complete set, the collection is relatively reasonably priced, especially given that the set is the sequel to the highly successful first volume, which sold out almost immediately.
Another piece from the I AM 8-BIT show is Scott Belcastro's Link vs Gannon. For $100 you'll get all the menace of Gannon and all the pluck of Link forever immortalized in a 12 by 12 inch limited edition print. I particularly enjoy this print's Rothko vibe.
Donkey Kong's Last Supper by the artist Misha is a reimagining of the iconic painting updated to be more relatable for gamers. Mario as Judas? That's deep. A limited number of giclée prints are available through Gallery 1988.
Also available through Gallery 1988 are these Pac-Man Grenades by Peter Gronquist. They're plated in 18-karat gold with a $350 price tag (each) to prove it. This is a gift that says "Look how much money I like to throw at you! Kaboom!"
Speaking of throwing money at things, these Tetrad shelves by Brave Space Design, while ostensibly of a practical purpose, carry a price tag that screams "art." A basic set of five pieces will run you $1315. Still, they are a remarkably clever and versatile design that I'm sure any Tetris fan would be delighted to have in his home.
If all of the above have been a little too pretty for your tastes, how about this Gears of War Lancer Assault Rifle by Project Triforce. The life-sized replica, weighing in at 15 lbs, is more a sculpture than a toy and the $950 price tag is evidence to this fact.
But why stop with the Lancer? The ultimate Gears of War fan will no doubt... well, not so much 'enjoy,' but certainly appreciate this detailed and highly realistic Locust Drone bust, also from Project Triforce. It's enough to set your trigger finger itching.
And finally, an oldie but a goodie: Team Fortress 2 posters. While the new Left 4 Dead posters may be all the rage, the TF2 posters feature a vintage mid-century vibe that would be aesthetically pleasing even to those who'd never played the game. Starting at just $7.95, the posters are also the most affordable items on this list -- more bang for your buck, so to speak. Shown above, The Sentry and The Heavy Bundle.
Hopefully this little list will give you a head start on your holiday shopping. There's still plenty more game-related artwork out there to be uncovered. Good luck.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Curse you. Now I have more things I need to buy and even less money in which to do it with.
November 30th, 2008 at 11:53 am
@Scott. Ah, I'm sorry. I feel exactly the same way.