2025

Game Frame Magazine

Virtual Photography

GAME FRAME

October - Trick or Treat

Capture by: Maks (horizon_photos_amazing)

Editor's Note

I am so proud to present the second issue of Game Frame magazine! When I first began this project, I wasn’t sure how the first issue would be received — or how I’d manage to work on it alongside everything else I have going on — but I am truly thrilled to have completed this issue. I’d also like to express my deep gratitude for the overwhelming amount of support and for everyone who offered their help along the way. Thank you, from the bottom of your heart.

Before even beginning to work on the September issue, I already knew I wanted each release to feel special and unique in some way — whether through the month’s theme or the very contents of the magazine itself. My goal is to make Game Frame an inclusive publication: one made for the community, about the community.

The gaming and virtual photography communities have built such a special and welcoming space, and it deserves to be celebrated and represented with care.

Ella (StrawbElla)
Managing Editor

Through the Lens: The Keen Eye of Max

Featured Artist: Maks (horizon_photos_amazing)

Social Media:

Introduction: “My name is Max. I am 15 years old, and I really like singing and making my own music. Taking photos is also one of my hobbies.”

 Meet the Photographer

Who or what was your inspiration behind starting your virtual photography journey?

“It was my Italian friend who inspired me to start doing something with my virtual photography.”

When did you start posting your work?

“It was at the end of July 2024 when he showed me I could create anything I wanted.”

I Miss You and I Will ‘Till I Die (Horizon Forbidden West)

How it All Begins

When do you take captures? Do you have a structured plan when it comes to virtual photography, or do you prefer to immerse yourself in it just when the moment feels right?

“I really like being a spontaneous person, so I love taking photos when I don’t have any plans. To me, this is the best part of photography.”

Finding Your Style

What is your absolute favourite game to capture in?

“I really like taking pictures in Horizon Forbidden West, because that game looks beautiful no matter what. Everything about it is magical and unique.”

Your portfolio includes many portraits. Which character do you enjoy capturing the most, and why?

“I really, really love taking pictures of Aloy because the details on her skin are so incredible. I really love the way she shows her emotions as well. It helps me create something when I’m feeling down or happy.”

You take a vast variety of both black and white, as well as colourful, captures. Which ones do you prefer capturing?

“I like creating both. Sometimes I can express myself more through black-and-white captures. Sometimes they’re a mirror of my emotions — of how I feel. But colors possess that extra touch of wonder. Colors show people that the world isn’t just black and white, but pretty and magical.”

The World is in My Hands (Horizon Forbidden West)

“... colors possess that extra touch of wonder. Colors show people that the world isn’t just black and white, but pretty and magical.”
— Max (horizon_photos_amazing)

I’ll Make You Worry (Ghost of Yotei)

Where is My Real Home? (Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered)

Allies in Art

What does virtual photography mean to you?

“Virtual photography is just genuinely fun! I’m not currently spending much time on it, but I really enjoy taking incredible captures in amazing games.”

You’ve been part of the virtual photography community for over a year now. What has been your favourite aspect of being part of it so far?

“My favorite thing about the virtual photography community is the people, who are all very helpful and kind. Whenever I need help, they try to help me any way they can!”

Seeking Inspiration

What inspires you the most when capturing?

“I get most of my inspiration from the virtual photography community. There are so many different types of captures there, and every single one is incredible!”

From Capture to Masterpiece

Do you usually edit your captures? What is your preferred app or software?

“Yes, I always use Lightroom to edit my pictures.”

Save & Exit

Since I first came across Max’s account, I have been truly impressed by the remarkable variety in his work. The images featured in this interview demonstrate that each piece is unique, both in terms of colour schemes and the emotions they convey. Through his creativity, Max reminds us that virtual photography is not just about taking screenshots; it is about capturing moments filled with feeling. So, I would like to thank you, Max, for participating in this interview and for sharing your passion for virtual photography with all of us.

I Still See You in My Dreams (Horizon Forbidden West)

Article by: Ella (StrawbElla)

Photography by: Max (horizon_photos_amazing)

Featured games: Horizon Forbidden West and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered © Guerrilla / Sony Interactive Entertainment; Ghost of Yotei © Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment.

It’s time to celebrate the winners of the October theme — Trick or Treat.

The submissions were hauntingly beautiful tributes to the spooky season — from fierce, striking black-and-white portraits to warm yet ominous autumnal hues. The winners of the October theme captured the essence of Halloween perfectly, filling us with mystery, dread, and a spark of awe through their unique and eerie creations. It’s truly wonderful to see the boundless creativity within this community — spanning across so many different games and expressed through so many distinctive styles.

In the Spotlight: Trick or Treat Winners

"To me, wearing costumes and masks is the key part of trick-or-treating, so I was excited to find this mask in Ghost of Yōtei." – Nimmu (@niinakaniin.vp)

"To me, wearing costumes and masks is the key part of trick-or-treating, so I was excited to find this mask in Ghost of Yōtei." – Nimmu (@niinakaniin.vp)

"The Oni Raider's mask perfectly blends creepiness with coolness. His bloodied armor, lit by cold moonlight and warm fire, reminds us that violence is near." – David (@spideroftsushima)

"The Oni Raider's mask perfectly blends creepiness with coolness. His bloodied armor, lit by cold moonlight and warm fire, reminds us that violence is near." – David (@spideroftsushima)

"My work comes from my spontaneity, which comes from my wandering, curious eyes. How apropos that this shot has lots of them!" – Ari (@deadeyecaptures)

"My work comes from my spontaneity, which comes from my wandering, curious eyes. How apropos that this shot has lots of them!" – Ari (@deadeyecaptures)

"Songs inspire us, they are what helps us escape from this world, and they are a constant that one can rely on." – InvalidWalker (@invalidwalker)

"Songs inspire us, they are what helps us escape from this world, and they are a constant that one can rely on." – InvalidWalker (@invalidwalker)

"Atsu deals death indiscriminately, just like the Reaper. Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the wind, the sun, or the rain." – Greenie (@carrotscaptures_)

"Atsu deals death indiscriminately, just like the Reaper. Seasons don't fear the Reaper, nor do the wind, the sun, or the rain." – Greenie (@carrotscaptures_)

"Trick or treat! This prompt was so much fun and really gave me the chance to think outside the box and try some fun effects to get a spooky shot!" – Beck (they/them) (@beck.infocus)

"Trick or treat! This prompt was so much fun and really gave me the chance to think outside the box and try some fun effects to get a spooky shot!" – Beck (they/them) (@beck.infocus)

The virtual photography community never ceases to amaze with its boundless creativity — especially in the ways artists find to engage and inspire one another. This September, the wonderful Pelyn (@waterpelyn) hosted the 30 Days in Focus challenge — a month-long creative journey featuring a new theme each day, designed to spark inspiration for anyone who wished to take part. Challenges like these are a beautiful reminder of how supportive and imaginative the community can be, and Pelyn truly embodied that spirit through her initiative.

From Concept to Creation: 30 Days in Focus with Pelyn

Featured Artist: Pelyn (waterpelyn)

Social Media:

Introduction: “I’m just a girl from Wales who loves gaming and found my calling taking pictures of Aloy for my gaze. Sometime last year, I started uploading them to the internet, which has been one of the best decisions ever. I mainly focus on portraiture, but try to branch out with other setups and games.

Sorrow (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)

Spark of Inspiration

Every creative project begins with a spark. What inspired you to create this challenge?

“I’ve always wanted a gaming PC, but for years, the price just wasn’t realistic. I’d been a PlayStation loyalist my whole life, but once I got into virtual photography, I started dreaming up ideas that just weren’t achievable on the PS5. So, I finally bit the bullet and built my own PC.

 The issue then came with learning new skills, tools and interfaces that I was not familiar with, and I struggled to find the time to learn and make the most of this extremely expensive computer. I found myself burning out, feeling guilty for not using this powerful machine to its full potential, and drifting away from something I truly loved, which was VP.

I knew I had ideas (literally hundreds of notes on my phone of small concepts I've written down for sets), so I decided to challenge myself and turn that frustration into motivation. That’s how 30 Days in Focus was created: as a way to push myself, apply what I’d learned, and regain confidence in a hobby that means so much to me. I needed something that would hold me accountable creatively, something that felt compulsory, so I wouldn’t fall back into switching the game off when things got hard.”

Throughout the 30 days, each theme was fresh and unique, offering something new every day. How did you come up with these themes?

“I started with a few themes I’d been sitting on for a while — Ideas I’d wanted to bring to life but hadn’t quite managed yet. Then, I looked at the rules of photography and added a few that could stand as their own creative focus. From there, I went through the games I play and thought about what concepts would really shine in each if approached in the right way. A few themes were also inspired by others in the community — things I admired in their work that I wanted to explore in my own style.”

Bringing the Challenge to Life

Did you have a particular goal in mind for the community when organising 30 Days in Focus?

“None originally, as I never thought I was going to share it. I was going to create a ‘pretty’ looking schedule for myself anyway, and the more I worked on it, the more I thought, ' Why not share it with anyone else that might be interested?’.

I have made a lot of wonderful friends in this community, and the term ‘burnout’ is pretty common. I feel working toward a goal, in this case, a daily theme, can certainly help with a lack of inspiration or motivation, so once I decided I was going to share it, I just wanted it to help people if they needed it.

I think a lot of us are familiar with the challenges Paulina (@HZDworld) has created, so I thank her for hosting similar projects in the past, as that gave me the confidence to share mine with the world.”

How did you manage the challenge, from setting rules and deadlines to keeping participants engaged and excited? Did you face any challenges while organising it?

“There really weren’t any challenges for me beyond actually taking part myself. Everyone who joined in did it at their own pace. There were no rules or strict deadlines. From an organiser’s point of view, it was completely stress-free. It ended up being such a relaxed month, and honestly, just wonderful watching how everyone interpreted the themes in their own way.”

“What I really accepted during this challenge is that perfection takes time.”
— Pelyn (waterpelyn)

Sky High (Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores)

Happiness (Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores)

The Community in Action

From what I observed, the challenge drew a lot of participation from the community. How did you experience the community’s response? Was there anything that particularly surprised you?

“I have been so lucky in that I have always felt so much support from the community, but I really was blown away by the amount of support the challenge – not just through posts and participation, but through all the kind private messages, too. It was such a beautiful reminder of how encouraging and uplifting this community can be.”

Do you have a favourite community submission or moment from the challenge?

“I think one of my favourite moments was Double Exposure day. Seeing all the participants create their own masterpieces was amazing, and many mentioned that it was a new skill that they learnt, so that was definitely nice.”

Did you notice any interesting trends, styles, or techniques among the participants?

“When I created the challenge, I already had a clear vision of what I wanted to do for a lot of days, but when others started sharing their interpretations, I was so impressed. It was fascinating to see how differently people approached the same idea.

Take Day 5 - Music, for example. Music means a lot to me in this hobby, and I find a lot of inspiration from it, so I knew I wanted to make a set with an epic song pairing. I was so surprised when I saw that most participants actually went out and found music in-game to capture instead, which I thought was so clever. It completely slipped my mind! It really showed how inspiration can spark such different kinds of creativity.”

You also took part in the challenge. Which theme are you most proud of? Did you find any of them particularly difficult?

“I was most proud of Days 19 and 20 – Sorrow and Happiness. They weren’t my favourite shots of all time, but they made me feel, which is not something I achieve easily. Storytelling has never been my strongest skill, so I was really proud of myself for creating something that carried emotion and felt genuine. Those two themes felt like real successes for me.

I actually found quite a few of the other themes difficult too, especially the ones focused on specific photography rules. They were much trickier to execute than I expected when I was first putting the list together!

What I really accepted during this challenge is that perfection takes time. I really came to peace with posting sets that I wasn't quite happy with because it was proof that not everything goes as planned or as you envisioned.

When I first started, and honestly, even now, I see creators I look up to posting picture-perfect sets every time. It can feel both intimidating and inspiring. It’s hard to imagine that the people you admire might struggle with any part of this hobby, but they do, we all do. It’s easy to forget that behind every polished shot are challenges and doubts, which is why it felt really nice to show a bit of that honesty throughout the challenge.”

Depth of Field (Horizon Forbidden West) — Brielle (@sleepsector.vp)

A Guiding Light

I think it’s safe to say that your challenge was a resounding success! Do you have any advice for others who might be considering running their own virtual photography challenge?

“Do it for you. It’s easy to get caught up in how something will be received online; we’ve all been there, but that was never the goal for me. My main aim was simply to motivate myself, and sharing it was just in case anyone else felt the same way.

I used this challenge to reconnect with a hobby I love, and it truly worked. It felt a bit like graduating alongside my classmates. Everyone who joined, supported, or messaged me played a part in helping me rediscover that spark. It honestly meant the world to me, and all I want to do is return that favour. I love this community with all my heart.

This challenge taught me how to create with intent again. Creativity isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up for yourself, finding joy in the process and learning what YOU enjoy.”

Depth of Field (God of War: Ragnarök) — JJ (@sobeckranch)

Happiness (Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered) — Larissa (@aloyshorizn)

Double Exposure (Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered/Horizon Forbidden West) — Nimmu (@niinakaniin)

Looking Back & Moving Forward

What did you enjoy most while creating and running this challenge?

“Honestly? The sense of community. I cannot explain the happiness I felt waking up and seeing people's posts for the day. I realised that because there was a working theme, there was a heightened level of feedback, which I really value.

The challenge also made me way more comfortable with gaming and capturing on PC, which was my main aim, so I'm just happy that it helped me tackle the struggles I was experiencing.

It taught me a lot about my personal creative process and preferences, and I'm really excited to apply it to future work.”

Is there anything you wish to do differently next time?

“At the moment, I'm not sure. I certainly would like to think twice about theme placement, as I found there were similar ones close together.

Also, I personally struggled to post daily; it wasn’t a strict rule, more of a personal goal, but maybe a weekly format could make it easier for more people to join in. I think with better planning, I could have posted daily easily.

I haven’t asked the community for feedback yet, but I definitely plan to. I’d love to hear how everyone found it and what they’d like to see if there’s ever a next round.”

Boss Fight (Horizon Forbidden West)

Minimalism (Ghost of Tsushima) — Sadcreen (@sadcreen)

Save & Exit

Seeing and hearing about how many people in the community decided to join in is truly wonderful. It’s lovely to see how much creativity each individual poured into their work, and featuring all of these beautiful captures is an absolute honour.

First of all, I'd like to thank you, Pelyn, for agreeing to work on this project with me —it’s been an absolute pleasure putting everything together! Thank you also for organising this challenge, which brought us 30 days of constant inspiration, 30 days of awe, and 30 days of wonder.

I’d also like to thank Nimmu, Brielle, JJ, Edward, Larissa and Sadcreen for sharing your captures. It’s truly incredible how each and every one of you has such a distinct style! I hope you continue to share your passion for virtual photography with the world, as you have so far, and I look forward to seeing what you create next!

Music (Cyberpunk 2077) — Edward (@edwardframes)

Article by: Ella (StrawbElla)

Photography by: Pelyn (waterpelyn), Brielle (sleepsector.vp), Edward (edwardframes), JJ (sobeckranch), Nimmu (niinakaniin.vp), Sadcreen (sadcreen), Larissa (aloyshorizn)

Featured games: Horizon Forbidden West, Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered © Guerrilla Games / Sony Interactive Entertainment; Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 © Sandfall Interactive / Kepler Interactive; Red Dead Redemption 2 © Rockstar Games; God of War Ragnarök © Santa Monica Studio / Sony Interactive Entertainment; Cyberpunk 2077 © CD Projekt Red / CD Projekt; Ghost of  Tsushima © Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Silhouette (Red Dead Redemption 2)

November is almost here, and with it comes a whole batch of exciting and unique games — some you might have already heard of, and some that could surprise you for the first time through these articles. Whether you’re looking to curl up with a cosy, snowy adventure or dive into intense, futuristic battles, there’s something here for everyone.

Patch Dispatch: November in Gaming

  • Terminator 2D: No Fate - PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC (Release Date: November 26th, 2025)

    If you’re a fan of the Terminator franchise and have a soft spot for old-school, pixelated video games, Terminator 2D: No Fate by Bitmap Bureau is bound to catch your eye. This side-scrolling action game lets players step into the roles of Sarah Connor and the T-800, embarking on missions to halt Skynet’s rise and save humanity from annihilation. Along the way, you’ll face off against the relentless T-1000, while also unlocking the chance to play as John Connor in the future, leading the Resistance in the War Against the Machines.

    The game promises a nostalgic yet fresh experience, featuring original scenes from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, alongside a new branching storyline that lets players determine their own fate.

    There are multiple editions available for pre-order, including an exclusive online edition and a collector’s edition, with prices ranging from $37.49 to $74.99 USD.

    For more details on the game’s key features and development process, visit the official website.

    Image © 2025 Bitmap Bureau / Reef Entertainment.

  • Call of Duty - PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows (Release Date: November 14th, 2025)

    Set in the year 2035, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 places players into a world ravaged by violent conflict. Elite operative David Mason leads a covert special-missions team into the Mediterranean city of Avalon as the game, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software and published by Activision, offers both solo and co-op campaigns spanning the Mediterranean coastline and the neon-lit streets of Japan.

    In addition, the multiplayer mode features 18 distinct maps stretching from Tokyo to Alaska, introducing a revamped progression system.

    Pre-orders are now open for two editions: the Standard Edition priced at US $69.99 and the Vault Edition priced at US $99.99, each bundle offering exclusive equipment and bonus content. The Vault Edition also includes the Nemesis Operator Pack and the Season 1 BlackCell Battle Pass. For more information, you can visit the official Call of Duty website.

    Image © 2025 Treyarch / Raven Software / Activision

  • Winter Burrow - Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows (Release Date: November 12th, 2025)

    Winter Burrow is an upcoming cosy survival game developed by Pine Creek Games and published by Noodlecake Studios. In this charming world, players will be able to explore their surroundings, gather resources, craft tools, and take part in comforting activities such as knitting warm sweaters, baking pies, and meeting the friendly locals.

    The story follows a mouse returning to their childhood home after years away in the city, only to find their beloved hometown in ruins and their aunt missing. As players help restore the burrow, they’ll slowly uncover the mysterious story behind her disappearance, breathing life back into a place once filled with love and cherished memories.

    While dangers quietly lurk in the wilderness, players can choose whether to hide from threats or bravely face the challenges ahead, learning resilience, patience, and resourcefulness along the way.

    With its cosy aesthetic, Winter Burrow feels like the perfect companion for quiet winter days. Whether curling up under a blanket with a warm drink, exploring every nook of the burrow, or tending to small tasks, players are invited to lose themselves in a world that feels both comforting and alive.

    A playable demo is already available on Steam, offering a first glimpse into the charming world of Winter Burrow. For more information and updates on its upcoming release, you can visit the official Winter Burrow website.

    Image © 2025 Pine Creek Games / Noodlecake Studios

  • Unbeatable - PS5, Xbok Series X/S, Microsoft Windows (Release Date: November 6th, 2025)

    Set in a world where music is strictly forbidden, this open-world, hand-drawn, anime-inspired adventure game — developed by D-CELL GAMES and published by Playstack — offers a heartfelt glimpse into what it means to be a musician on the run. The protagonist, Beat, and her bandmates refuse to let the ban on music silence them. Throughout their journey, players will experience lively song performances, striking set pieces, and quirky rhythm-based minigames, featuring original soundtracks by Peak Divide.

    The game has been highly anticipated ever since its initial wave of hype, when it raised over five times its original funding goal on Kickstarter in April 2021 — an impressive feat for the studio’s very first project.

    A playable demo is currently available across multiple platforms. To stay updated or learn more, you can join the studio’s newsletter on their official website.

    Image © 2025 D-CELL GAMES / Playstack.