Atari 2600 Box Art

3D Reimagining 2D Classic 2D Illustrations

Information

This project focuses on translating classic 2D Atari 2600 box art into dimensional 3D illustrations. The objective of the series is to reconstruct the flat, iconic compositions of the original covers within a modern 3D production pipeline, treating the vintage packaging as a physical object.

The work serves as a direct technical homage to the foundational artists and graphic designers who shaped early video game packaging. The process involves rebuilding the core illustrative elements such as the spacecraft in Asteroids or the flying saucers in Space Invaders into fully modelled 3D assets, while preserving the exact typographic layouts, colour palettes, and framing established by the original creators.

A 3D illustration of the Atari 2600 Asteroids game box viewed from a three-quarter angle, showing the printed spine and dimensional asteroid assets breaking forward out of the central graphic frame.
A direct front-on 3D illustration of the reimagined Atari 2600 Asteroids box art, showing the precise typography, grey framing, and a central spaceship asset firing through a field of textured 3D rocks.

Asteroids - Atari 2600

Package Design & Illustration

Disciplines

3D Production
Graphic Design
Package Design

Information

The original Atari 2600 box illustrations remain profound sources of inspiration and these reimaginings of the original 2D illustrations pay homage to the now legendary artists that created them.

The original asteroids illustration inspiring this remake was by Chris Kenyon who’s box art credits also include Battlezone, Missile Command, and Jungle Hunt.  Credits for the package design also include two of my all-time favourite designers – George Opperman and Evelyn Seto.

This and other Atari related content can be found in the highly recommended The Art of Atari.

A close-up crop of the 3D Asteroids illustration, highlighting the surface detailing and panel lines of the wedge-shaped spacecraft asset as it emerges past the inner graphic frame.
A detailed macro crop focusing on the central explosion and smoke effects within the space field, surrounded by floating textured asteroid models and a visible planet curve in the lower left.
A low-angle close-up crop demonstrating the physical depth of the 3D layout, showing individual textured asteroid models distinctly projecting forward beyond the printed grey packaging boundary.
A 3D illustration of the Atari 2600 Space Invaders packaging viewed from a three-quarter angle, showing the grey printed spine and the primary circular spacecraft model breaking forward out of the central art window.
A direct front-on 3D illustration of the reimagined Atari 2600 Space Invaders box art, showing the classic typography layout and a large, textured saucer asset hovering above a detailed mountain range.

Space Invaders - Atari 2600

Package Design & Illustration

Disciplines

3D Production
Graphic Design
Package Design

Information

The Atari 2600’s ‘Killer App’, responsible for helping make the Atari 2600 the success it was.

Originally created by Tomohiro Nishikado, developed by Taito, and licensed by Atari for the Atari 2600.

The illustration for the Atari 2600 version of Space Invaders was created by the artist Norman.  Credits for the package design once again go to Atari designers – George Opperman and Evelyn Seto.

A low-angle close-up crop focusing on the snow-capped mountain peaks and rocky terrain at the base of the Space Invaders illustration, with the classic Atari logo visible in the bottom left corner.
A detailed macro crop of the primary alien spacecraft, highlighting the panel detailing on the grey metallic hull and the illuminated green city structure contained within the translucent upper dome.
A high-angle close-up crop demonstrating the structural depth of the 3D illustration, showing how the curved rim of the large saucer asset extends forward out of the flat, grey printed package frame.