americanmcgee
patreon
The Art of Alice: Madness Returns (中文)
🕑 Added 2020-06-14 23:20:41 +0000 UTCDear Insane Children,
A lot of people are unaware of the fact that Alice: Madness Returns was the first-ever AAA Western Console Game to be developed primarily in China by a mainly Chinese development team. Prior to its development, there were lots of Western games (and I mean LOTS) which relied on outsource art production in China. But to have a team of artists, programmers, animators, level designers, led by a group of producers, game designers, and creative directors - all of whom were located in Shanghai at Spicy Horse, was a first.
As such, the game is somewhat of a legend in China and especially among the local game development scene. If you visit any development studio, outsource company, or art house, you'll find at least one copy of the "Art of" book in every room.
"The Art of Alice: Madness Returns" was published by Dark Horse shortly after the release of the game in 2011. It became an instant bestseller. And in Japan, the English Language version occupied the #1 Best Seller (Foreign Book) spot for weeks. Prompted by that success, Dark Horse produced a Japanese Language version which went on to become a best seller in its own right.
The English and Japanese versions are now Out of Print and Sold Out - and there are NO PLANS for reprints (DON'T ASK). If you want to buy one, you'll have to head over to Ebay. There, they regularly sell for anywhere between $170USD and $700USD (depending on condition, whether they are autographed, etc). That's a 35x increase in value in some cases! Woo.
So it's no surprise that a local Chinese company has picked up the rights to re-publish the book in Chinese (Simplified only - there will be no Traditional Chinese version). Since its release, the Chinese language version enjoyed a period of "panic buying" and has seen steady sales since. Go Alice!
I've managed to get my hands on a few copies of the Chinese Language version and put them up for sale in the Mysterious Shop. The price there includes shipping (with tracking) anywhere in the world. And I'll autograph each and every book we send out.
For the collectors among you, this is a rare opportunity to grab a bit of the game's development history. And to own the "Art of" book produced in the same place where the game was developed. The signed copies of this new edition are sure to become as rare and valuable as the English and Japanese language versions did.
You can hit THIS LINK to go to the Mysterious Shop and check out the "Art of " book there.
---
APOLOGIES for the straight-up advertisement of a product at Mysterious. I try to avoid doing this as much as possible. But this is one of those rare situations where I know serious collectors will be upset if they miss out. I promise not to make product placement like this a regular feature in Patreon Posts.
More design, art, production stuff on the way this week. And a Live Stream! More on that soon!
From Shanghai In The Raaaain,
-American
Comments
Thank you for posting! I didn't know the original book existed and was able to snag one of these. Won't be able to read it without a translate app but it's awesome to have a signed one either way =)
When the game comes out we should do a commerative art book of all three 😍 that way we can also see the changes over the years
Tommy Wagner
I own one since its release back then ^-^ A truly beautiful book!
Sarah McKeegan
I haven’t been able to get one. Not so lucky. But I loved the game!!
Christ Why
I couldn't resist. My justification to myself is that I've saved a lot of money staying home the past few months due to COVID. GAH! I CAN'T WAIT!!
Eric Tan
What attracts me the most is the " Dark " settings of this game. It instantly attracts the my love for " gothic subculture " side of me lol.... Literally I can't find any other games similar to this that have this sort of " dark " tone. I love every level, details and design of the game....I'm truly THANKFUL for your Masterpiece.... Honestly what blew my mind it's that you said the team that developed this game are Chinese ?? Coincidentally I'm one too myself lol...but not from China, but somewhere in SEA region lol.
American McGee
184. Hefty!
How many pages are there in the artbook.
Multifluffyness
I love alice so so much. So when this book was released in 2011 i immediately bought it. Still my favorite art book ever. The art is insanly stunning. I cant help but still drop open my mouth whenever I look into it. Like it is gorgeous! Best buy ever. Already 9 years ago. Jezus time flies! But this was so cool to read 😍❤💯🔥
Wow! Can’t wait to tell those Chinese fans this good news. I’ll also buy one 😃
Got mine in 2017 from Amazon for 24€! I feel really lucky😁
I got mine right when the game came out in 2011. It has traveled the world with me and I will never let Alice go.
I really need to get myself an English version!!! Time to trawl ebay every few days... 🤞
Could I get my original copy autographed if I sent it to you?!
Evibbles
I have the English version, found it at the first con I cosplayed Alice at ❤️ I love all the art in it
Usagikie
I have the chance of getting an Englisch Version for about 120€. Or should i get the signed chinese version for $99? Please help i cant decide?! O_o
Pre-ordered the original English release only to then win another one via the Darkhorse Alice Madness Returns art contest back right before the release of madness returns via tie with another person for first place.
I was so lucky to find an english copy of it in my country a couple of years ago. I first got a hold of one during my college years, but it belonged to the school's library. Then after a few months of searching, I found one of the last sealed copy in a small bookstore. One of the best art books I've ever read. Definitely insightful, especially since most of the stuff in it was present in the Alice Madness leaked beta trailer.
I think it's great that this was printed in another language! This way more people can enjoy it as much as we do! ❤
Justin Cole
I bought one! I’ll have to get an English version one day but for now I’m so excited to add this to my collection.
Wow mine was a Christmas gift so glad I got one! I have it displayed on my shelf with my Hildebrandt art books. My treasures 💜
Lucky Dragon ‘She.They’
I bought this a long time ago and have it on my shelf. It’s one of the best “Art of” books I’ve ever seen.
I have the original release!! So worth it!
