Lost Coast's Byzantine Church

Lost Coast is a short, playable tech demo Valve produced to showcase their bloom and lighting effects. I particularly liked the church which, as pointed out in the game’s commentary, exhibits a noticeably unique Byzantine style of art compared to most Gothic churches used in games. Although no depictions of Christ are apparent the work is no doubt iconoclastic and architecturally reminiscent of the Second Golden Age of Byzantine art.
At the same time the church is lined with ornate patterns like those more commonly seen decorating Islamic architecture, which makes sense as many Byzantine structures, such as Haghia Sophia, were converted into mosques after Constantinople’s defeat in the mid fifteenth century.

Aside from the decorative textures the space is beautifully lit in cool blue ambience and is accented by the warmer tones coming from the windows, broken ceiling, and reflected off the gold. This piece is a unique and modestly gorgeous game environment to behold.