Why Do Indie Developers Make Pixel Art Games?
Why are there so many indie developers who use pixel graphics? Find out here!
Games | 25 January
By Syahdan
As we know, nowadays we’ve been spoiled by major game devs with their stunning graphics -- as they seemingly keep on getting better and better. However, it’s the other way around with indie developers. More often than not, they use pixel graphics for their games.
Despite the pixellated visuals, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these games can’t compete in the market. There are tons of pixel art games created by indie developers that have their unique appeal to attract players. Such as Stardew Valley, Celeste, Dead Cells, and Terraria.
So, what are the reasons for them to use pixel graphics instead of 3D? Take a look.
1. Limited Budget
The first reason why there are so many indie game devs who use pixel graphics for their games is that they operate on a shoestring budget. To make a 3D game, you need at least one 3D modeler and one 3D artist to create digital art.
Hiring these professionals will cost significantly more than hiring a pixel artist. Given the limited budget, the developer surely needs to reduce the expenses as much as possible until the release of the game.
2. Takes Less Time
Another reason is that it takes less time in the production. Making a 2D pixellated game is less demanding to the computer during the production than a 3D game. This leads developers to focus on other aspects instead, such as the storyline and gameplay -- without having to spend too much time testing out the game.
And, with the low specs, more gamers can play the game, not just the whales.
3. Focusing on the Gameplay
Well, this one may be vague. Let me give you a better picture. As you may already know, designing the characters and other objects in pixellated games is not that time-consuming, nor does it take a lot of resources. So, indie developers tend to focus on the gameplay as the main selling point of their games.
For example, Eric Barone managed to create Stardew Valley into a popular pixellated game due to its exciting gameplay. Players are free to do various activities, such as farming, fishing, mining, and even fighting the cave monsters.
It also offers an engaging storyline that keeps the game entertaining for players -- with numerous events you can trigger with each NPC.
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4. The Wide Gap Between Pixelated Games with the AAA Games
What are AAA games? AAA games are games that are produced on a large budget. Usually, these games are produced on a $50-$100 million budget -- depends on the genre. Most Triple-A games use 3D graphics, it’s impossible for indie developers, with their limited budget, to compete with these games using 3D graphics.
5. Nostalgia
Most gamers are aware that pixel art games bring back good memories of when they were first introduced to video games, especially for those who were born in the ‘90s. So, indie developers are using nostalgic elements to create pixellated games.
So, those were the five reasons why most indie developers use pixel graphics. Stick around for more gaming info, and make sure to follow Dunia Games on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
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