Even in mature pixel art titles such as Blasphemous, the aesthetic sets certain expectations for the player. It not only suggests a mood, but a certain bandwidth of mechanical complexity. And ...

Even so, Neofotistou says she prefers the clean aesthetic of modern pixel art—it’s more consistent and predictable. From a designer’s perspective, “all the complex, and flawed, interplay of photons ...

"[W]e look at the pixel art — it's great — but when we think about 10-20 years in the future, we don't think it's going to be a viable art style or presentation for our players," Iizuka said ...