Thursday 1stSeptember 2011: Leading independent UK publisher, Rising Star Games, has commissioned the creation of 30 pieces of bespoke character artwork. The limited edition artwork will be included with copies of upcoming releases in the Harvest Moon series, Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar and Rune Factory 3. Rising Star Games will be distributing the first set of five images with current orders, with further sets available in the near future.

The artwork has been created by Harvest Moon artist Igusa Matsuyama. With 30 pieces of character artwork in total, 20 character portraits and a further ten premium pieces of artwork. Art cards will be grouped into sets of five cards, three portraits and two premium pieces, to be distributed as sets of five with orders from the series.

Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games, said: “The artwork within the Harvest Moon universe is extremely impressive and has a distinct style all of its own. We were incredibly pleased when Igusa Matsuyama agreed to create a bespoke collection of character artwork exclusively for the PAL market. Fans will be able to collect and share the cards, we’ve grouped the collection into sets of five and we’ll be distributing addition sets later in the year.”

Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar and Rune Factory 3 are to be released in the PAL market Q4 2011, courtesy of Rising Star Games www.risingstargames.com.