The utilization of 8-bit graphics-style in contemporary games has witnessed a significant surge in popularity in recent years. One of the primary catalysts driving the widespread adoption of modern 8-bit games, such as Super Mario Bros. and Shovel Knight, is their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia from players worldwide. By harkening back to the video games of a bygone era, these games have earned the moniker of “Retro Games,” further contributing to their popularity. This resurgence of the 8-bit aesthetic not only appeals to gamers’ longing for their childhood experiences but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and timeless charm of simpler, pixelated visuals. As a result, the use of 8-bit graphics-style in contemporary gaming has become a widely embraced trend, bridging the gap between past and present, and captivating both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.
SUPER MARIO
SHOVEL KNIGHT
When delving into the realm of 8-bit games, it is impossible to overlook the significance of “Pixel Art” as it constituted the prevailing form of graphics during that era. From iconic classics like Space Invaders to beloved titles such as Super Mario, 8-bit pixel art served as the primary visual style in the bygone games. The artistry and craftsmanship involved in meticulously designing each pixel gave birth to vibrant and recognizable characters, settings, and objects that have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. The limitations of the 8-bit hardware compelled game developers to master the art of pixel manipulation, resulting in creative solutions and innovative techniques to depict intricate details within the constrained canvas. Even with the passage of time, the charm and allure of 8-bit pixel art persist, inspiring contemporary game developers to pay homage to this influential art form and keeping it alive within the ever-evolving landscape of gaming aesthetics.
SPACE INVADERS
Given the resurgence of 8-bit pixel art games, it is indeed worthwhile to delve deeply into the essence of pixel art and the 8-bit graphics style, and to contemplate the potential ramifications they may hold for the future of the gaming industry.
Exploring the Origins and Fundamentals of Pixel Art
Pixel art, characterized by the utilization of 8-bit graphics, boasts a rich history dating back to the 1970s. However, it gained significant popularity during the 1980s and 1990s when game app developers wholeheartedly embraced it for game design and development.
The term “pixel” originates from the fusion of “picture” and “element,” representing the smallest unit of a digital image visible on display devices. Every digital image, video, or text we encounter on computer screens or any other digital display device is composed of a precise arrangement of pixels. Games like Super Mario, Pokemon, and Zelda stand as nostalgic reminders of a bygone era where pixel art reigned supreme, leaving an indelible mark on the world of gaming.
POKEMON
ZELDA
The gaming industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, offering games with highly detailed 3D graphics that can closely replicate reality. However, the journey for game makers in the 80s and 90s was far from easy. During that era, computers and console video games were in their infancy and unable to display the necessary number of pixels for clean and smooth images. Pixel artists faced the challenge of creating believable visuals with a limited pixel count.
For instance, the 8-bit NES system had a mere 54 pixel colors, with only 25 colors usable on screen simultaneously. These colors were allocated to one background color, four sets of three tile colors, and four sets of three sprite colors. The screen resolution was confined to 256×240 pixels, and sprites were limited to 8×8 or 8×16 pixels. The accompanying image provides a visual representation of these limitations.
While RAM-intensive 3D graphics eventually rendered pixel art less prominent in the professional gaming industry, there has been a remarkable resurgence of pixel art in video games. This resurgence has birthed a myriad of unique sub-styles, breathing new life into the gaming world and rekindling our love for beloved 8-bit games.
Exploring the Fascinating World of 8-Bit Graphics Style
The concept of 8-bit graphics involves using 8 bits per pixel to represent the range of colors displayed. This means that 8-bit graphics can display a maximum of 256 colors, while 16-bit allows for 65,536 colors, and 32-bit allows for an astonishing 16,777,215 colors. During the 8-bit era, gaming systems like the Atari 2600 and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) dominated the scene.
Today, when we talk about 8-bit graphics, it often brings to mind sluggish computers, low-resolution visuals, and simplistic audio, all resulting from the hardware limitations of that era. Most computers during the 1970s and 1980s were constrained by an 8-bit word size, which meant they could only store and process a maximum of 8 bits per data block. This limitation was mainly due to the prevailing microprocessor architecture technology of that time.
In the past, 8-bit graphics not only imposed constraints on the color palette but also limited screen resolutions to a maximum of 256 pixels in each direction. However, in the current age of 32-bit and 64-bit processors, the 8-bit graphics style is no longer limited to an 8-bit color palette or low-resolution monitors.
The reason behind the resurgence of pixelated visuals in many modern games is to capture the essence of old-school gaming, where 8 bits per pixel were a necessity. By intentionally selecting a limited number of pixels and emphasizing their individual squares, game developers aim to infuse a retro flavor into their artwork. This trend has gained significant traction in the gaming industry, with many developers adopting the 8-bit graphics style to gain a competitive edge and enhance their core business areas.
The Timelessness of Pixel Art and the 8-Bit Graphic Style
No matter how advanced computer design software becomes, there will always be a special place reserved for pixel art and the nostalgic charm of 8-bit graphics in the realm of video games. The thirst for retro games and arcade experiences among gamers remains unquenchable.
In fact, the visual appeal of a video game extends beyond high-resolution graphics alone. By harnessing the power of pixel art, game designers can enhance the game’s visual identity and create a cohesive aesthetic that resonates with players.
Terraria, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery, Super Mario Bros., and Shovel Knight are among the notable contributors to the revival of retro games. These titles have not only captured the hearts of gamers but have also demonstrated the enduring allure of pixel art and the 8-bit graphic style in shaping captivating gaming experiences.
TERRARIA
SUPERBROTHERS:SWORDS AND SWORCERY
Sega is tapping into nostalgia by offering many of its beloved titles on mobile devices for free. Glauber Kotaki, a professional pixel artist who has worked on indie titles like Rogue Legacy, Deep Dungeons of Doom, and Duelyst, believes that pixel art adds a unique beauty to almost anything and can evoke feelings of nostalgia. Additionally, he notes that pixel art is a cost-effective and efficient solution for most 2D games, from conception to execution, for things like animation and polish.
ROGUE LEGACY
DEEP DUNGEONS OF DOOM
DUELYST
The nostalgia effect holds immense sway over gamers, as evidenced by the rapid sales of Nintendo’s NES Classic Edition, a miniature version of its 80s console, which sold 196,000 units within days of its November 2016 launch.
However, pixel games, including RPGs, thrive not solely on nostalgia but also on the foundations of excellent gameplay, game design, and immersive environmental interactions. A comparison between the original Mario Bros. game and its third installment reveals impressive advancements in pixel game art.
Driven by a renewed focus on pixel art, game developers have ventured into creating 3D video games using this style. An exemplary title is The Last Night, an adventure game inspired by Flashback and Blade Runner, which seamlessly blends traditional pixel game art with 3D compositions, offering players a unique visual experience.
THE LAST NIGHT
The Deer God is another excellent example of a 3D pixel art adventure game that tests a gamer’s religion and platforming skills. Players love exploring the beautiful, serene landscapes while embodying a majestic deer.
THE DEER GOD
Conclusion
Pixel game art offers numerous advantages when it comes to optimizing graphics for handheld devices and ensuring consistent animation. Its inherent nature allows designers to seamlessly work across various styles, enabling them to create unique visual identities akin to iconic titles like Street Fighter or Super Mario World. With pixel art, artists have boundless opportunities to craft sharp and crisp on-screen visuals for future video games, captivating gamers in the process.
The versatility of pixel art empowers designers to finely tune graphics for handheld devices, maximizing performance and delivering immersive gaming experiences. Additionally, the flexibility it provides in terms of style opens up a world of creative possibilities. Just as Street Fighter and Super Mario World established their own distinct visual languages, pixel artists can carve out their own unique styles, leaving a lasting impression on players.
With the potential for sharp, detailed artwork and the captivating charm of 8-bit aesthetics, pixel artists and 8-bit game concept designers are poised to continuously delight gamers and shape the future of video game visuals.