Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
2D graphic assets
The 2D graphics are the foundation of any game. Videogames were born 2D and 2D
graphics are always required, even for 3D games. The following list describes the
main fields of 2D graphics for games:
•
Concept art
: This consists of sketches, storyboards, and free hand drawings
that reproduce key aspects of a game, such as the main character, the villain,
relevant game environments, and crucial game mechanics. Concept art is
mainly used to convey the look and feel of a game: the ability to convey
maximum content with minimal complexity is a key factor for creating optimal
concept art.
•
Sprites
: These are 2D representations of any game object of a title. The abil-
ity to draw convincing characters and objects using few pixels is a talent that
is fundamental to those who want to be proficient with 2D assets creation.
•
Backgrounds, terrains, and tilesets
: These are the construction blocks for
any bidimensional game. Tilesets, in particular, are very important, because
they save system memory for your game.
•
Interface
: Any game, whether it is 2D or 3D, needs an interface to provide
the player with relevant information during gameplay (score, lives and en-
ergy, ammo), as well as menus and presentation screens for the game. The
artist takes care of creating the assets for the game interface.
•
Textures and materials
: 3D objects and characters need to be improved
with 2D graphic assets that add details to a model and make its surface inter-
act with the lighting environment of the game engine. The artist is accounted
for creating these assets.
The following figure represents a concept design sketch for a space ship, taken from
the material for a space shooter made by one of the authors:
