Game Frame Magazine
2025
Virtual Photography
GAME FRAME
September - Down to Earth
Capture by: Nimmu (niinakaniin)
Welcome to the first-ever issue of the Game Frame magazine, an online magazine honouring the beautiful worlds of video games and those who capture them.
Virtual photography goes beyond being just a hobby. It is a powerful form of personal expression, combining creativity, emotion and storytelling. Each image is the result of thoughtful planning, experimentation, and skilful editing, everything that we will explore throughout the following articles.
Whether you are a seasoned virtual photographer or simply someone who appreciates artistry within the gaming community, I hope these pages inspire you and deepen your love for this unique and evolving art form. Enjoy!
Ella (StrawbElla)
Managing Editor
Editor's Note
“Virtual photography is not just a hobby - it is an expression of thoughts, emotions, and creativity. It takes planning, trial and error, editing, and ultimately storytelling. It is a true form of art.”
Through the Lens: The Art and Mind of Nimmu
Featured Artist: Nimmu (niinakaniin)
Social Media:
Instagram: @niinakaniin.vp
Bluesky: @nimmu.bsky.social
Picashot: niinakaniin
Introduction: “I'm Nimmu, a 30-something virtual photographer from Finland, always drawn to epic stories and worlds in gaming. I mostly capture the world of Horizon games, but I also like exploring Ghost of Tsushima. My works usually focus on character portraits or landscapes.”
Where the Wind Blows (Ghost of Tsushima)
Meet the Photographer
Who or what inspired you to start doing virtual photography?
“I had a long break from gaming, but I rediscovered gaming again during the pandemic. In 2023, I saw virtual photography for the first time on Instagram by Larissa (@aloyshorizn) and Paulina (@hzdworld).”
When did you start posting your work?
“Funnily enough, it was a horoscope around that time recommending me to create a social media account - and today, after 2 years of doing virtual photography, I'm glad I did.”
How it All Begins
How does your capturing session usually begin? Do you have a set routine or create whenever you feel inspiration flow?
“Mostly, I just have some ideas I want to try, or I've visualized something in my head, and I want to see if I can actually make it work. Sometimes I don't get any captures, other times it's the opposite.”
What Looms Ahead (Horizon Forbidden West)
Finding Your Style
What games do you capture in? Do you have a favourite?
“I haven't done virtual photography for that many different games; mostly, I play Horizon games: it's my comfort game, and I always come back to it. Another one I really like is Ghost of Tsushima. I love the different options in the photo mode settings; it makes capturing so easy and fun! I do have a couple of other games I would like to try in the future - for example, Shadow of the Colossus, Alan Wake 2 and Kena: Bridge of Spirits are on my list.”
What is your favourite in-game spot for capturing?
“In both Horizon and Ghost of Tsushima - if I find grass to position my character in, with the sun shining behind them, that's my spot!”
What colour-scheme do you find most enjoyable to work with?
“I don't know if I have a particular colour-scheme I like, but I've noticed my editing leans to a vibrant style. I really adore more desaturated colors and black & white as well! People who have consistent editing have my respect.”
Do you have any tips for beginners in the virtual photography community?
“Like in photography, get to know your camera - in this case, photo mode. Test, try, experiment. Study some basic principles of photography - so you know how to use them and when to break some photography rules, if you feel like it. And most importantly, capture what makes you happy.”
Sunshine Cargo (Horizon Forbidden West)
Seeking Inspiration
How do you handle your creative slumps?
“Oh, the slumps. I guess I could say I have two different methods. The first one being, doing something easy or comforting like recreating old captures, using the locations I used to, just to get back in the groove again. The second one is the opposite, and I usually turn to it when I'm stuck in a loop - experimenting. It helps when I ask myself "what if..." and then try to see what happens. Sometimes it is also totally okay to take a step back and breathe; every creative mind needs to calm down and recharge.”
Do you have any advice for virtual photographers who are struggling to feel inspired?
“I think I can say the same as I did about handling creative slumps: experiment, take a break. Get inspired by music, movies, and art, and see if you can work that into your photography somehow. Movies and art are something you can use to study and learn about compositions, framing, or the use of color, for example. And, this is something I personally struggle with, too - don't put too much pressure on yourself. Just keep creating your art; the world needs it.”
From Capture to Masterpiece
Do you usually edit your captures? What is your preferred app or software?
“When I started, I didn't have any editing apps. The first one I tried was Snapseed, and then I finally got Lightroom.”
Do you make small tweaks or fully rework what you capture?
“It depends, I'm trying to find the right balance in editing - respect the original raw photo and not change it too much, but also use editing tools so I can make the most of the photo.”
“... break some photography rules, if you feel like it. And most importantly, capture what makes you happy.”
Allies in Art
What does virtual photography mean to you?
“Virtual photography for me is a way to go and express myself through photography in epic, beyond reality settings - who wouldn't want to go take pictures of mecha dinosaurs in a post-post-apocalyptic sunset? Before I started, I didn't even know what virtual photography was, but it combines my two favorite hobbies: photography and gaming. Through it, I can explore characters more deeply with portraits, or "paint" landscapes using lighting and composition.”
The community involved in this form of art plays a significant role in the virtual photography experience. What is your favourite aspect of being part of it?
“For me, it's being able to connect with different, talented and fantastic people around the world, with a shared passion for gaming or photography - or both. There are so many incredible artists out there who inspire me, and many of them do so with their captures. I'm happy I can say I've made some friends through this hobby. This creative outlet lets me truly be myself and has given me the confidence to trust myself more. It has pulled me out of my darkest times and has encouraged me to go after creative passions in my own life, too. I am forever grateful to be a part of the community.”
Fall for You (Horizon Forbidden West)
Save & Exit
To capture these fictional worlds with such elegance and beauty, while staying true to their nature and to your own creativity, is truly something special — and Nimmu has never failed to impress me, not even once. I can’t thank her enough for taking the time to do this interview. It means so much to have her featured in this very first issue. I’ve looked up to her since the very beginning, and I know I’m not the only one. So thank you, Nimmu, for being such a constant source of inspiration and for sharing your beautiful art with the world.
Night Hunt (Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered)
Article by: Ella (StrawbElla)
Photography by: Nimmu (niinakaniin)
Featured games: Horizon Forbidden West and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered © Guerrilla / Sony Interactive Entertainment; Ghost of Tsushima © Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment.
It’s time to celebrate the winners of our September theme — Down to Earth.
The submissions were an absolute feast for the eyes, especially considering the limited time to create them. It was thrilling to see so many participants in the very first issue! The winners of the September theme captured the gentle shift into autumn beautifully, weaving together rich yet gentle colour palettes, breathtaking landscapes, and portraits across a variety of games. To be able to portray this seasonal transition with these captures, almost poetic in their nature, is truly a gift!
In the Spotlight: Down to Earth Winners
"I created this shot that reminds me of the softness of the season, fall. Muted colors, a gentle orange in the background, and the iconic Carja outfit to complete the look. The focus is on Aloy, looking ahead as the new season approaches." - Flawless
”I’ve actually captured/edited this in April, and it didn’t make sense to post anything autumnal at the time. When I noticed Game Frame Magazine’s theme for September, I instantly thought about this pic and its earthy tones.” - Jenna
“Chilled air and soft warm tones bring feelings of home on the cusp of autumn. The world is a little more gentle feeling during these times.” - Ghost
"As intense and epic as the world and combat in Ghost of Tsushima can get, the game also creates moments of stillness and serenity. It's in these moments of reflection where you can almost feel Jin's guiding wind at your back." - David
"I find that when I edit my work, the shots often tell me what sort of direction to go in, and anything with the Oseram fits perfectly with warm autumnal tones. The Daunt is a beautiful part of the map with a selection of vivid and muted warm tones, so it seemed like the perfect place for this theme!" - Beck (they/them)
"I decided to choose this photo because it reminds me of warm autumn. 🍂 In my work, we can see the beautiful magic of orange and yellow colors. 🧡" - horizon_photos_amazing
The gaming world is constantly evolving, and developers keep crafting new experiences for players everywhere. In this September edition, I’ve rounded up five short articles highlighting some upcoming releases and events you can look forward to in October. Whether you’re curious about hidden gems, eagerly anticipating blockbuster titles, or looking for a way to connect with gamers around the world, I hope you find something that sparks your interest!
Patch Dispatch: Upcoming Events & Releases
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Ghost of Yōtei - PS5 Exclusive (Release Date: October 2nd, 2025)
Set over 300 years after Ghost of Tsushima, this standalone sequel by Sucker Punch Productions takes place in 1603 Japan around Mount Yōtei, where a new protagonist, Atsu, seeks revenge against those responsible for her family’s death, 16 years before the events depicted in the game.
Like Ghost of Tsushima, it will feature several modes of play, including Samurai Cinema Mode, Kurosawa Mode, and two new ones: Miike Mode, inspired by the director of 13 Assassins (Takashi Miike), and Watanabe Mode, inspired by the director of anime, such as Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop (Shinichirō Watanabe).
The game is currently available for pre-order, costing $69.99 (Standard Edition) or $79.99 (Digital Deluxe Edition). There is also a Collector’s Edition for any fans looking to decorate their shelves.
Image © 2025 Sucker Punch Productions / Sony Interactive Entertainment.
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![Two characters, dressed in adventure gear, standing on a pile of items amidst a chaotic, ruined environment with debris and twisted metal, holding hands in a smoky, fiery setting. They are the main characters from the Little Nightmares 3 co-op game.]()
Little Nightmares III - PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PC (Release Date: October 10th, 2025)
In this third part of the Little Nightmares series, developed by Supermassive Games, players follow two new protagonists, Low and Alone, on their quest to escape the Nowhere - a haunting realm that exists beyond human sleep, filled with abominations created by our unconscious mind. Their journey leads them through the Spiral, a cluster of unsettling, eerie locations, where cooperation is the key to survival.
For the first time in the franchise, Little Nightmares III introduces multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to team up online or tackle the horrors solo alongside an AI companion to fend off smaller enemies and solve puzzles.
The game is now available for pre-order, with early access granted to players who purchase the digital edition before the enhanced version launches in October (availability varies by platform). For details on the gameplay and different editions, visit the official Bandai Namco website.
Image © 2025 Supermassive Games / Bandai Namco Entertainment
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![Futuristic battlefield with soldiers in combat gear overlooking a city under attack, with explosions, smoke, and fighter jets in the sky, promoting the Battlefield 6 video game.]()
Battlefield 6 - PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Release Date: October 10th, 2025)
The latest instalment in the popular FPS series, Battlefield 6, developed by Electronic Arts, is set in the year 2027. Following a high-profile assassination that leads to many major European countries leaving NATO, the world is in turmoil, with the U.S. and its allies grappling with the aftermath.
The game will introduce several new features, including the Kinesthetic Combat System, which will enhance player mobility and gunplay. This system will offer tactical options such as the Drag and Revive mechanic, allowing players to pull teammates out of danger and revive them in cover.
Battlefield 6 will launch with 9 diverse maps, set in locations such as Egypt, the Iberian Peninsula, and even the streets of New York.
Different editions of the game are available for pre-order across multiple platforms. For more information, you can visit the official Electronic Arts website.
Image © 2025 Battlefield Studios / Electronic Arts
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![A small orange robot with a large, rounded head, a black face display with blue lines, and blue lights. It is holding an orange and black object in its right hand. It is the mascot of the Brazil Game Show event.]()
Brasil Game Show - THE Latin American Gaming Convention
It’s nearly time for the yearly BGS gaming convention, organised by business executive Marcelo Tavares and currently held in São Paulo, beginning on October 9th and ending on October 12th. This is the largest gaming convention in Latin America and one of the biggest in the world.
Some of this year’s special guests have already been announced, including Hideo Kojima — founder of Kojima Productions and creator of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach; Naoki Hamaguchi — director of the Final Fantasy VII remake series; and Yoko Shimomura — celebrated composer of soundtracks for franchises such as Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy XV, Street Fighter II, and Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
For anyone wishing to attend, you can visit the official BGS website for ticket sales and additional event information.
Image © Brasil Game Show
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![The Twitch logo on a purple background.]()
TwitchCon 2025 - Celebrating 10 Years of Streaming
This year marks a milestone as TwitchCon returns to San Diego for its 10th anniversary celebration. From October 17th to 19th, the San Diego Center will be transformed into a hub for streamers, game developers, and fans alike.
Visitors can look forward to the Expo Floor, showcasing the latest game releases and technology, along with opportunities to meet developers and watch streamers broadcast live in person. A newly expanded speedrunning stage, created in collaboration with GDQ (Games Done Quick), will feature speedrunners breaking records and pulling off incredible tricks and glitches. There will also be meet-and-greet sessions with popular streamers, as well as intense matches in the Twitch Rivals Arena, where creators go head-to-head across a variety of games.
For more information on the upcoming event, you can visit the official TwitchCon website.
Image © 2025 Twitch Interactive, Inc.
Game-On: Blockbusters in Blocks
As a fun bonus in the September issue, I’m challenging your gaming knowledge with a crossword puzzle! Think you’re a pro at playing video games? Let’s see how well you know them off-screen. This puzzle dives into the world of high-grossing hits - from timeless classics and blockbuster studio productions to a few beloved oldies. Ready, set, solve!
