Scale and Proportion

Scale and proportion both are terms used for size. Scale defines how large or small an object is and proportion is how an object is measured compared to the standard. Three ways to examine size and proportion in gaming is by looking at scale and proportion for emphasis, human scale reference, and the golden rectangle. 

Scale and Proportion for Emphasis

Scale and proportion create a center of emphasis in a composition. In this case from Kingdom Hearts, the massive scale of the evil genie is emphasized by the tiny buildings below and the boy Sora flying on his magic carpet. 

Tiflojet. "Screenshot #001 from Kingdom Hearts II." Screenshot #001 from Kingdom Hearts II. N.p., 10 July 2006. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. http://www.gamersglobe.co.uk/screenshot/kingdom-hearts-ii-ps2-001

Human Scale Reference

Using human scale reference means to compare size in a composition with that of humans. Just like in the picture below we see a statue and in front of it is Sora, from Kingdom Hearts. Had this picture not had Sora standing underneath the statue, it would be difficult for the viewer to figure out exactly what size the statue might be, but in relation with Sora, it is more clear just how much bigger it is in comparison with human size. 

"Kingdom Hearts RE: Chain of Memories Screenshots (PS2)." GameSpy: Screenshots (PS2) 2667124. N.p., 2 Dec. 2008. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. http://ps2.gamespy.com/dor/objects/14282207/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories/images/kingdom-hearts-re-chain-of-memories-20081202074023659.html

Golden Rectangle

The golden rectangle is what the Greeks considered the perfect proportion for rectangles which is width is to length as length is to length plus width. This picture from Tales of Graces F shows how the golden rectangle can be seen in video games as well as art. 

Romano, Sal. "Tales of Graces F Screenshots - Gematsu." Gematsu Tales of Graces F Screenshots Comments. N.p., 17 Apr. 2012. Web. 06 Mar. 2013. http://gematsu.com/2012/04/tales-of-graces-f-screenshots-3