Photogrammetry is a technique whereby two-dimensional images are automatically converted into three-dimensional models. Indie developer Skull Theater is using this method exclusively to develop Rustclad, its forthcoming computer game.
The basic idea is that we build or find the objects that we want in our world, take a set of photographs for each object, and run them through a tool that creates a 3D model for us. We went this way because it lets us create beautiful art without having to do any digital authoring, and we get to work in a medium where realism is a natural byproduct rather than a conscious effort. Plus, it's a lot of fun to build a video game by hand.
Video link [Youtube]