Mass Effect 3 - Aria

Now in its ninth year, the "Into the Pixel" exhibition brings together the best of the best original video game art as chosen by 10 major players in the gaming and art industries.

This year's event, hosted by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) and Entertainment Software Association (ESA), shines a spotlight on 16 games ranging from Diablo 3 to Journey. You won't see any fan drawings here; these items come straight from the artists responsible for the incredible scenes from this (and next) year's most popular console and PC video games.

The "Into the Pixel" collection will officially be unveiled at the 2012 E3 gaming expo, which takes place June 5-7 in the Los Angeles Convention Center's Concourse Foyer. Some of the still-under-development games selected for the exhibit could make a larger debut at E3.

In this striking image by artist Ben Huen from BioWare's Mass Effect 3, it looks like Aria T'Loak's in a tough situation. But with fire surrounding her and a fist full of energy, she seems ready to take on anyone -- or anything.

(Click here for the high-resolution version of this picture.)