Photogrammetry

[bigsofty]

Really nice method for creating 3D objects with stunningly realistic textures explained here... 

http://www.theastronauts.com/2014/03/visual-revolution-vanishing-ethan-carter/

[erico]

Quite a photo heavy process

[Moru]

I can't help but think that this only recreates reality, there is no real creation process... And how much work for a little stone or a house that would have been much nicer and interesting if made by hand. Reality is boring. :-)

[bigsofty]

The Vanishing O Ethan Carter of creators, who wrote this article, agrees with you I think, the end result was too "real" and things began to look sterile and without atmosphere. The way they got around it was to mute the pallet and use various post processing effects to take the edge off of this sterility. And I must say, it really works IMHO...

[erico]

The photo section helps a lot against hand modeling assets, specially if you have a place in mind that is accessible.
They seem to be going on the dark fantasy mood with those visuals, but I´m fine with it all, looking neat.

Still, you don´t interact on the level of detail shown, so it is not a "oh my god!" thing to me.