Spriters: A new hope.
August 2nd, 2012
Over the last decade video game growth has exploded due to emerging technology. In the beginning, all games had were great gameplay and pixels. But over the last several years 3D games have become more dominant and now with the rise of HTML5, spriters may push pixels for games once again!
For developers, the most appealing thing about HTML5 is that it works across multiple platforms – all the way from the interwebs to handheld devices. With that comes some limitations for art. Yet artists who prefer a classic approach will find this platform gives them a way to thrive. Namely through pixel art. For artists, the coolest thing about HTML5 is the potential for more pixel art games. These types of games have a certain charm to them. When you look at an image from a pixel game, you see the building blocks – the bones that make up a beautiful composition.
I have a lot of respect for artists who can make more with less. It’s easy to forget about the thousands of pixels that make up an image when you’re looking at a large, high-resolution game. Pixel artist build an image from the ground up. To pull it off, it takes planning and forethought, and a very strong sense of color theory. Part of the fun of pixel pushing is the sense of accomplishment you get when you finish a background or a character. It’s reminiscent of completing a lego set. All of the small pieces fitting into their right place to create something big and cool. For artists who haven’t tried pixel art, I highly recommend it as an exercise. It builds character.
So here is the part that gets me excited: the possibility of a full-production pixel art game. Forums such as Pixel Joint are filled with pieces just begging to be made into feature length games. Could you imagine a full length game crafted with the time and care it takes these artists to make ONE image?! It would be LEGEN (wait for it) DARY. And also this: http://www.effectgames.com/
HTML5′s cross-platform convenience means continued growth for game development and higher demand for pixel artists. The truth is, you could make a really badass pixel game with HTML5. Some may say that pixel art is low resolution crap, but I see digital pointillism and a beautiful art form that may have otherwise faded away.
Cheers!
Jacob Weberg is a Digital Artist at Massively Fun. He enjoys building games, playing games and Easy Cheese.
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