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THE LOOKS
Visual identity is one of the most important aspects of a video game. Based on visuals alone people might decide whether they will give the game a try or not. It is really all about the first impression. The game can have great gameplay and awesome music but if the looks don’t match, it will push a good number of potential new fans away.
DO NOT READ A BOK BY ITS COVERS
How the game will look depends on a lot of factors - theme, storyline, the overall feel of the game, all of that needs to be taken into consideration when deciding on the visuals, but that is not always the rule.
Quite often games will surprise us with a visual style that doesn’t really fit with the gameplay but it still works well together. Take, for example, Cuphead, a platforming shooter whose visual style is inspired by the cartoons from the 30s. On a first glance, a casual observer would assume Cuphead is probably made for little children based purely on the visual style, but that can’t be farther from the truth. In reality, Cuphead is a punishing game that requires quick reflexes, precision, skill, and patience, and those characteristics are not something we associate with the majority of children aged 7 and below, at least not when it comes to video games. Their motor skills are still developing so they would find it impossible to beat such game.
WHERE IS THE CHALLENGE
You might argue that Cuphead is an obvious example and that there are a whole ton of games that are not only looking kid friendly but their gameplay is adjusted to a younger demographic. Why yes, yes there are games aimed at a younger audience, but where does it say teens and older gamers can’t enjoy them? There is something to be said about playing a much easier game, no muss no fuss, just a relaxing walk in the park, but that is not where I’m getting at.
What I’m talking about are the easy games that are easy on their surface. More often than not easier games offer harder challenges for more experienced players that are optional but they are there. You’ve beaten the main levels? Great, now use those skills and beat another set of much harder levels, or how about collecting every hidden collectible in the level?
What about getting that “Beat game with single life” achievement?
Do all that and then tell me those games are for kids.
THE GRAPHICS
Since the game looks, for the lack of better word, childish, other kids, usually teenagers, tend to avoid them, which is funny because they would probably enjoy the game. They want to grow up as fast as they can (poor saps, don’t know what they are getting into) so they act like adults and play serious games like Call of Duty or GTA - not to throw a shade on those franchises but teens miss on many other great games simply because they don’t look serious enough, and by serious I mean realistic.
Pixel art games can get overlooked because of this too even though that style can be applied to many genres, both fun and serious.
Graphics are not everything and I implore everyone to get out of their comfort zone and try something that is visually different from their previous games. I’m sure you will realize that the video games are less about the looks and more about the gameplay.
Get in the Game ! 
