Quoted from woodworker:I agree with this, but "much harder" isn't the same as "doesn't allow". That is why I asked.
The answer probably lies in the observation that every licensed game Stern has produced that is based on a non-animated film or TV show hasn't featured hand-drawn artwork. The Simpsons and Family Guy are obvious exceptions, as are band/artist themes.
In earlier decades the only way to do it was to hand draw/paint everything and, frankly, it led to better results for the most part. What I find intriguing with the way Aurich is approaching the Alien art is that he's doing something quite different — a true digitally-conceived art package that will have a style and atmosphere that couldn't be emulated with hand drawn art. It's one that is designed to go hand in hand with all the new tech Heighway has on offer.
What's more, Aurich's approach probably makes more sense for the theme than an arty comic-style fully hand illustrated art package.
It reminds me of the good old CG movie effects debate. Bad CG has given CG a bad rap and so many pine for the glory days of practical effects. Just like we pine for 90s hand drawn pinball art because Stern has given 'Photoshop art' bad rap. In the same way, we've got film experiences that would never have been possible with practical effects, and there's no reason why we can't be treated to the same kind of future with high quality digital pinball art packages.