The choice of typography in a video game goes beyond aesthetics, it is also a key element for the narrative and gameplay. Did you know that a well-chosen typography can instantly transport you to the atmosphere of the game, whether it is a medieval fantasy world, a distant galaxy, or the streets of a futuristic city? Typographies in video games are like the voice of an invisible narrator, guiding us through stories and worlds.
Now, let me tell you a little bit about the evolution of typefaces in the world famous video games. Starting from the early days of pixels and 8 bits, where technical limitations gave rise to iconic but simple typefaces, to the present day, where technology allows us to create much more complex and detailed typefaces. This evolution not only reflects technological advances, but also the growing importance of typography as an integral part of the gaming experience.
One fascinating aspect is how typography in video games can create and reinforce a game’s identity. Think of iconic games like “Final Fantasy,”“The Legend of Zelda” or “Cyberpunk 2077.” Each of these games uses typography that reflects and enhances its theme and world. For example, “Final Fantasy” uses typefaces that evoke a sense of adventure and fantasy, while “Cyberpunk 2077” opts for a more modern and technological aesthetic.
In addition, legibility is a very important factor. A typeface in a video game must be easy to read, even in fast-paced gameplay situations and under various lighting conditions. This is especially important in text-heavy games, such as RPGs, where typography contributes significantly to the comprehension and enjoyment of the game.
Having said all this, let’s proceed to introduce you to both popular and less popular video game typefaces. Typefaces are an art and we can learn a lot as designers if we take the time to study and understand them.
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Popular Video Game Fonts
In this section we are going to focus on more modern video game typefaces. We will leave the retro style fonts for another section.
MINECRAFT
Minecraft is still one of the most popular video games and its typography is unmistakable.
FORTNITE
The most popular Battle Royal in history is not only a case study in marketing, at the design level we can also learn things.
THE BINDING OF ISAAC
A game with a retro aesthetic, children’s style drawings but with a dark and psychological story and background that has made players fall in love with it.
STARDEW VALLEY
Stardew Valley is the perfect videogame to disconnect from the world. And besides, the story behind the game is worthy of study.
THE LAST OF US
In a post-apocalyptic world, Joel and Ellie struggle to survive among infected and hostile humans, exploring themes of survival and human relationships.
THE WITCHER
Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a sorcerer, navigates a medieval world filled with magic, politics and danger as he searches for his destiny.
GRAND THEFT AUTO V
In the fictional city of Los Santos, three very different criminals team up to pull off daring heists in an open world full of action and social satire.
SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE
Set in a stylized feudal Japan, a disgraced warrior seeks redemption and rescues his lord, facing supernatural and human enemies in a game focused on stealth and tactical combat.
RED DEAD REDEMPTION
An epic western set in the last decades of the 19th century in the American West, where a former outlaw seeks redemption while facing the threats of the frontier and the ghosts of his past.
GOD OF WAR
An intense action and mythology adventure, centered on Kratos, a Spartan warrior who challenges the gods of Olympus, in a world filled with monsters, gods and heroes of ancient Greece.
CYBERPUNK 2077
An open-world role-playing game set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, where the player’s choices shape the story and the world.
ASSASIN´S CREED
Assassin’s Creed is a series of action-adventure and stealth video games, famous for its historical recreation and narrative that interweaves fiction with real events and figures.
DARK SOULS
Dark Souls is known for its high difficulty, dark and complex world, and deep gameplay mechanics that emphasize exploration and persistence.
SUPER SMASH BROS
Super Smash Bros is a fighting game franchise that brings together iconic characters from various series from Nintendo and other companies, noted for its accessible yet strategically deep gameplay.
Retro Style Game Typefaces
Despite the impressive evolution of video game graphics, some titles still come out today inspired by the pixel aesthetics of early video games. In this section we are going to compile the typographies of retro games (or retro style).
Can Video Game Typefaces be Downloaded for Free?
In most cases, it is possible to download video game fonts for free and they can be used for commercial use. Some video games, although fewer, use free fonts that can be used for commercial and personal use. We will always inform you which license a particular font has.
How can you use Video Game fonts in your projects?
As we have already mentioned, most video game fonts are only available for personal use, that is, they cannot be used in activities or projects from which you are going to profit. But don’t let that discourage you, they can be very useful for a large number of personal projects. Here are some of the possibilities:
- Personalization of diaries and agendas: If you keep a diary or agenda, using video game fonts for section titles, dates or to highlight special events can be a lot of fun. Imagine marking your birthday with “Final Fantasy” typography or a special trip with “The Legend of Zelda”.
- Creating art and posters for personal decoration: Do you like art? Use these typefaces to create posters or art pieces that reflect your favorite video game quotes, or even design a collage depicting different games.
- Scrapbooking and crafts: Video game typefaces are perfect for adding an original touch to your scrapbooking projects. You can use them to title pages, add comments or date important memories.
- Invitations and cards for family events or friends: For a birthday party or a get-together with friends, using video game-inspired typography can add a special and unique touch to your invitations or thank you cards.
- Customize everyday objects: How about customizing your notebooks, mugs, or even your phone case with vinyls or drawings using video game typography? It’s a great way to bring a bit of your passion into your everyday life.