Viktor Antonov, the artist who helped shape the visual identity of Half-Life 2, sadly passed away on 16th of February 2025. His work on City 17 and other game worlds was truly special. He had a way of creating environments that felt both believable and fantastical, drawing you into their unique atmosphere.
One of the things that made his work so distinctive was his use of color, or rather, his restraint in using it. In City 17, the muted tones really capture the sense of oppression and the despair of the people living under Combine rule. But he also used color in a very deliberate way, like in the Combine’s propaganda, to create a stark contrast and emphasize the oppressive nature of the regime.
Antonov had a knack for incorporating steampunk elements in a way that felt authentic and grounded. He didn’t just use it as a visual style, but as a way to imagine how technology would be integrated into the city’s infrastructure and everyday life . This approach added depth and a sense of history to the environment, making it feel like a real place with a purpose .
He was incredibly detail-oriented, even considering the angle of the sun to create long shadows that evoked the feeling of September in an urban environment . This dedication to capturing specific details helped ground the fantastical elements of Half-Life 2 in a believable reality .
He believed in creating worlds that were not just visually appealing but also functional and believable. He once said, “Capture the specific, not the generic, but very specific. That’s what makes a story interesting, the specific angle.” This philosophy is evident in his work, where every element has a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative.
He will be dearly missed. Our Condolences to loved ones.
