While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to change and disrupt people's lives around the world, some artists are finding ways to channel their creativity in one of the best PC games of last year: Red Dead Redemption 2. Real-life photographers are using the in-game camera to take beautiful pictures (our very own Iain also had a photographic adventure in The Division 2).
Photographer Craig 'Sixstreetunder' Whitehead, for example, has posted a series of his photos on Instagram (via GameStar). "As a way to stay sane while stuck indoors I've joined in with a few who are using Red Dead Redemption 2, and Saint Denis as their surrogate city for the next few weeks," he says in the write-up for one, which artfully depicts a lone Lemoyne citizen sitting in a shaded street doorway.
"It's pretty tricky chasing light that moves at the in-game pace," the photographer notes. He's also posted an attractive silhouette of a Saint Denis resident riding cart through its cobbled alleys, with a brooding sky above and American flag fluttering behind. Take a look here.
Similarly, Nico 'Nicofroe' Froehlich has shared some stunning in-game images of the Van der Linde gang and the comings and goings of Saint Denis, circa 1899, terming it "virtual street photography".
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-McnkXo2l7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
You can also check out Nick 'sleepingastronaut' Fabian's work here, with the photographer having captured some really effective black-and-white and muted colour shots, using the western game's shadows to create some moody atmospherics.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-SMz3VjY6a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
If you're similarly inspired to spend some time in-game during the virus outbreak, you might find our RDR2 photo mode guide handy on your travels, along with our list of the best open-world games with amazing scenery to capture.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-XhXfpnPPV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The WHO has information and guidance on the COVID-19 virus on its website, which you can find here, as well as advice for the public on how to protect yourself against it.