Images recreating scenes from one of the world’s most popular video games will be showcased in a book by an Abertay University graduate.
Former computer arts student Liam Wong has shot to success since graduating in 2010, becoming the youngest ever director of gaming giant Ubisoft.
He was also given a coveted position in Forbes magazine’s annual list of the 30 most influential people under the age of 30, in 2017.
Now, the 32-year-old has created a photobook, TO:KY:OO, following the most successful crowdfunding campaign for a book in the UK, which raised £140,000 – more than four times its original target.
It recreates scenes from video game Final Fantasy VII, as well as striking neon images of Tokyo’s nightlife, from rarely-seen angles.
Liam said: “I wanted to take real moments and transform them into something surreal, to make the viewer question the reality depicted in each photograph.
“This body of work encompasses my three years as a photographer and ultimately the completion of my photo series.”
TO:KY:OO also features a foreword by Hideo Kojima, the developer behind games such as Metal Gear Solid 5 and Death Stranding, as well as a cover quote from Syd Mead, a Hollywood Visual Futurist best known for his designs in sci-fi movies such as Blade Runner, Aliens and Tron.
Liam moved to Canada shortly after graduating and now splits his time between the UK and Asia, although he has maintained strong links with Abertay.
“If I hadn’t gone to Abertay I’m unlikely to be doing any of what I do now,” he said.
“It has been instrumental.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after I left high school, and the university set me on the path that I’ve followed. I always enjoy returning to Abertay and Dundee to see what’s new.”
Liam, now a freelance art designer and photographer, has recently been working on a series of high profile projects including Cyberpunk 2077, which is projected to be one of 2020’s biggest video games.
He has now set his sights on the film industry but plans to continue with photography and gaming too.
“At some point over the next few years I’m aiming to venture into film,” he said.
“It’s not something I’ve done before, but it is something that really interests me.
“I’ll continue on with my art and photography projects though, and I’m working on a game with friends that I hope to publish in the future.”
