Professional or not, art can be an outlet for negative emotions or a platform for expression—but you don’t have to like art just because it provides catharsis. It could simply be that you find it enjoyable! Whatever your reasons may be, there’s no denying that with certain mediums, this hobby can be an expensive one. Having to restock supplies or investing in pricy equipment can take a toll on your wallet—and if you don’t plan on doing this full time, you may feel like the hobby isn’t worth the money.
So instead, you can turn to games where you play as an artist, in every sense of the word. When tubes of paint runs out in video games, you don’t have to dig into your pockets in reality. From painting to interior design, here’s a list of 5 games that allow you to make art!
1. SuchArt: Creative Space
Initial release date: July 14, 2021
Genre: Indie, Simulation, Art
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Developers: Voolgi, Goose Minded
Set in the future, in SuchArt you play as an artist living in the international space city who has been registered with the Talent Development Program. In this art simulation game, you’ll receive commissions through your computer, each varying in specificity and difficulty. Paint on differing sizes of canvas—or even walls and furniture—through the array of supplies you have in storage. To buy more paint, different brushes or studio upgrades, you need to complete commissions accordingly. With no way to win or lose, SuchArt is an art game with infinite replay value. Ultimately, it’s up to your own creativity to make this game last a lifetime.
SuchArt is a game that received flowers for its freedom, and accuracy with how paint acts and works in real life. Even if it isn’t a perfect replica, it’s a game that best emulates the experience of painting.
2. Passpartout: Starving Artist
Initial release date: June 6, 2017
Genre: Indie, Simulation, Casual, Art
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, Microsoft Windows, Linux, iOS, Mac operating systems, Classic macOS
Developers: Flamebait Games, Flamebait AB
This simulation game throws you in the streets of France as an impoverished, struggling artist. With meagre tools, you create and attempt to sell your paintings to passersby. Unlike SuchArt, you don’t need to stick to a certain criteria or request, simply paint and name your piece whatever you wish. This art game diverges from SuchArt once more, in the way that there is a clear progression and endings to the game—including game-overs. As you gain a fanbase and more money, you can earn yourself a spot in sequentially better studios.
This independently developed simulator recognises the colours, strokes and techniques you use, to allocate different endings to you. For example—and mild spoiler warning—unlock the “Passion” Ending by using loud colours and sketchy lines. It’s a well-loved game that garnered popularity through famous lets-players upon release and has recently released a second instalment in the Passpartout universe.
3. Summer House
Initial release date: December 6, 2023
Genre: Indie, Simulation, Casual
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Mac operating systems
Developer: Friedemann
Described as cozy and small-scaled, Summer House is a simulation game with no real objective. In it, you can build and decorate a Summer House to your own liking. It provides resources for you to explore multiple architectural styles. Pick from a vast array of doors, walls, shapes and colour to live out your exterior design dreams. Besides altering the house itself, this art game grants players the ability to influence their environment. Alter where your house is set in, like the cityscapes or a barren desert—or change the weather. Marvel at your work of art in the moody rain, under hazy moonlight or the bright sun.
Without restrictions of in-game currency or periodic building permissions, this pixelated design simulator gives you complete free reign. Without goal or endings, the game drives you to keep playing by letting your mind and hands wander.
4. Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Initial release date: June 10, 2021
Genre: Indie, Simulation, Art, Puzzle, Cooperative
Platforms: macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Greg Lobanov, Finji, Madeline Berger, Wishes Ultd., Lena Raine, Alexis Dean Jones
This top-down adventure, art game will have you playing as a paintbrush wielding dog who’s set restore colour to his land. Named after your favourite food, the dog you play as can freely paint the black and white world as you may wish. But to unlock certain areas, tools or even clothes, you must explore, solve puzzles and defeat evil—all with your paintbrush. Do so by using said brush to manipulate your surroundings with colour and drawing.
Unique to this list, this art game has a cooperative mode—solve puzzles and paint together with friends. Comparatively, Chicory has a concrete storyline, depicting characters who struggle with grief and/or identity—so if you’re in search for a game that has more than painting, this Colorful Tale is just for you.
5. Master of Pottery
Initial release date: November 11, 2019
Genre: Indie, Simulation, Art
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Developer: AZ Games
This casual pottery simulation game allows you to create fine china, hold exhibitions and train novices. As if you were throwing real clay, you’d have to use your mouse to coax your mound into desired shapes. After which, you’d have to fire your pottery in a kiln, a process accompanied by a minigame. Overall, the shape, colour and finish of your pottery is up to you. Note that there’s progression to this art game—as you complete more orders and rake in more cash, you unlock different techniques and styles of lids, snouts, colours and patterns.
It’s a fun simulator, with oddly compelling mechanics, that is miles more accessible than real pottery. Enjoy this art game without the constraints of buying a kiln, pounds of clay and dirty hands, if your heart lies in pottery.
Conclusion
As technology advances, the emulation of real-life jobs and occurrences only improve. Simulation games grants players the opportunity to experience things they may otherwise never feel—art included. Whatever’s holding you back, can’t stop you when you’re in a virtual realm.
Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR, and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
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