To celebrate Blizzard's 30th anniversary, a gorgeous retrospective on artistry at Blizzard and the impact the studio has left emblazoned on gaming history. For thirty years, Blizzard has been pushing boundaries and breaking expectations of what it means to draw for video games. Get a glimpse behind the curtain at how art has evolved at Blizzard and meet some of the artists who've shaped Blizzard's style and range to what it is today. Discover how art cross-pollinated amongst game teams and how grassroots movements from fans inspired some of Blizzard's most iconic artwork. With insights from more than fifty artists, animators, designers, and storytellers, this sweeping compendium is fans' ultimate keys to the kingdom of three decades in Blizzard artistry. Dig into the technical side of Blizzard polish-how light bounces around optimistic Overwatch scenes but seeps through the cracks in Diablo. Explore the development history behind your favorite games, including how Blizzard's fallen games helped produce some of the studio's most iconic heroes. Pore over never before seen images of the worldbuilding process, how levels and landscapes were born from post-it doodles and whiteboard sketches.

From legendary Blizzard Entertainment artist Samwise Didier, The Last Winter is a lavishly illustrated epic fantasy novel. Upon the death of Sprign, goddess and creator of the Pandyr and all other beasts in Mistgard, the island has come under attack by ruthless frost and fire giants from afar. Long fragmented, every creature in the eight clans must now come together to defend their land. Hammerheart must join with Darkcloud, Mistcloak with Thundermaw, and, most important, the children of Sprign must unite with their forgotten comrades of the ninth clan: the Bearzyrk. Led by the eldest of the Pandyr, the clans make their way to the Aesirmyr Peaks for a final standoff. As frost covers Mistgard, old prejudices must be overcome if the Pandyr hope to match the giants Lord Wintyr and King Sumyr in battle. Features all-new original illustrations throughout from Blizzard Entertainment art director Samwise Didier.

The �rst monograph by the art director for leading video game company Blizzard Entertainment   Brütal: The Art of Samwise is the �rst book to reflect all aspects of Samwise’s proli�c career and includes the most famous characters he’s created, including Blizzard’s biggest heroes. Samwise’s unique art style, which combines the use of bold colors, visual storytelling, and a touch of humor, has been featured around the world and is instantly recognizable to his legions of fans. As senior art director at Blizzard Entertainment, where he’s worked since 1991, Samwise has contributed art and art direction to many of Blizzard’s games, including some of its biggest franchises (World of Warcraft, StarCraft), and is known as the father and creator of the “Blizzard art style.�