The alternate PHB 2024 cover thread got me thinking about consistency in art direction for RPGs. Specifically, that cover is really great, but very likely won't look like anything else in the book (whereas the regular cover probably will). That would disappoint me, if I bought the book online or shrink-wrapped, so I did not know that. I really like consistent art direction, with images if not by the same person throughout, at least thematically and aesthetically similar. This is especially true for core books in my mind. i don't mind if an adventure or setting has its own different art direction -- as long as that, too, is consistent within that particular work.
By contrast, the 1E art direction was all over the place, ranging from literal cartoons to amateur illustrations to amazing works, many of which had different thematic tones. D&D is a big tent game, of course, and can get away with more varied art styles to reflect varied playstyles, but even so I prefer tighter direction.
What about you? Do you think an RPG should have a consistent art direction?
By contrast, the 1E art direction was all over the place, ranging from literal cartoons to amateur illustrations to amazing works, many of which had different thematic tones. D&D is a big tent game, of course, and can get away with more varied art styles to reflect varied playstyles, but even so I prefer tighter direction.
What about you? Do you think an RPG should have a consistent art direction?