A new book celebrates the cultural impact and design legacy of the beloved video game WipEout, offering a comprehensive exploration of its visual archives, concept art, and exclusive interviews.
In the mid-nineties, as the PlayStation took the gaming world by storm, a revolutionary racing game called WipEout burst onto the scene. With its high-speed anti-gravity gameplay, cutting-edge visuals, and thumping electronic soundtrack, it quickly became a cult favorite among gamers and graphic design enthusiasts alike. Now, a new book titled WipEout: Futurism by Read-Only Memory and art-directed by Michael C Place of Studio Build pays homage to the game’s cultural impact and design legacy.
A Vision of the Future:
Developed by Psygnosis, later known as Studio Liverpool, WipEout featured club-land style branding created by The Designers Republic. The team at The Designers Republic, led by Ian Anderson, brought to life a vision of an alternative future, drawing on sci-fi iconography to create a world that felt both familiar and entirely possible. Their designs had to be credible in the “future we were impatient for,” says Ian. The result was a game that immersed players in a visually stunning and immersive world.
A Comprehensive Exploration:
WipEout: Futurism chronicles the journey of WipEout from its conception to its future plans. The book offers a distinctive union of trailblazing artwork and graphic design, showcasing extraordinary and rarely seen concept art created for the game. The Designers Republic’s identity and graphics are woven throughout the pages, making this publication a treasure trove for fans of the series. The book also includes exclusive interviews with key figures involved in the game’s creation, such as Orbital’s Paul Hartnoll, sound designer Loïc Couthier, writer Damon Fairclough, and game director Stuart Tilley.
Unveiling the Creative Process:
The book provides a deep dive into the game’s visual archives, exploring how the teams, tracks, vehicles, and iconography came to life. From promotional materials to in-game photography, readers get a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating creative processes behind WipEout. The inclusion of exclusive interviews adds a personal touch, as the contributors share their stories and memories from those days, offering insights into the making of this iconic game.
A Design Inspired by WipEout:
The layout of WipEout: Futurism is itself a homage to the game, thanks to the art direction of Michael C Place. As a former member of The Designers Republic during the years WipEout was created, Place brings his graphic design expertise to the book, ensuring it captures the essence and spirit of the game. His design choices pay tribute to the game’s futuristic aesthetic, creating a visually striking and immersive reading experience.
Conclusion:
WipEout: Futurism is a must-have for fans of the game and anyone interested in the intersection of video games and graphic design. Through its comprehensive exploration of WipEout’s visual archives, concept art, and exclusive interviews, the book offers a nostalgic journey into the world of this iconic racing game. As readers delve into its pages, they will not only relive cherished memories but also gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity and innovation that made WipEout a cultural phenomenon. Pre-orders for the book are now available, with the opportunity to choose from eight exclusive cover designs inspired by the game’s racing teams.
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