#2dsprites

[vgenmedia255]

The Evolution of Animation Techniques in the Gaming Industry

Introduction

The gaming industry has come a long way since its inception, and one of the most remarkable aspects of its evolution is the continuous improvement in animation techniques. From the early days of pixelated sprites to the immersive 3D worlds we explore today, animation in games has undergone a remarkable transformation. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into the fascinating journey of animation techniques in the gaming industry and how they have contributed to creating more realistic and engaging gaming experiences.

1.The Early Days – Pixel Art and 2D Animation.

The earliest days of video game animation can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, video games like “Pong” and “Space Invaders” used basic 2D graphics composed of pixel art. Pretty old, right? 

Well, these were pretty popular with the millennials.

These early games featured limited character animations and simplistic movements, often constrained by the technical limitations of the hardware. Characters were represented as small, pixelated sprites, and their animations were typically quite basic, involving simple movements like jumping or shooting. 

Despite their simplicity, these games were groundbreaking at the time and laid the foundation for future advancements in gaming animation.

2.The Rise of 2D Sprites

The era of 2D gaming was particularly during the 8-bit and 16-bit periods (the 80s and 90s, when 8-bits and 16-bits PCs were developed!).

Games like “Super Mario Bros” and “The Legend of Zelda” were iconic examples of this era. 

These games utilized 2D sprites, which were essentially 2D images that represented characters and objects in the game world. For instance, Pac-Man and his ghost adversaries, Mario, the warriors in Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter, and other characters were sprites.

Although the games were more colorful and alive during this era, making a sprite wasn’t that simple. In contrast to today, when we can easily draw the same object, in the 1980s we had to go through a number of challenging stages. For instance, celluloid drawings for Super Mario Bros. were colored before being scanned.

Game developers meticulously designed these sprites pixel by pixel to create characters with distinct movements and animations. While the resolution and color palette were limited, these 2D sprites offered a unique and nostalgic gaming experience that is still cherished by many gamers today.

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[sergaz]

Better, but still somewhat jank.

[kuribo4indahouse]

Saber in Nitro+ Royale for PC.

All characters can play the announcer, in this case it's Saber too.

[hamstergod9191]

Some enemy_sprites 🖌️

[hyperlamb]

HYPERLAMB idle sprite #sprite #2dsprite #idlesprite #pixelart #HYPERLAMB #spriteart #freshkicks (at Virginia Beach, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4LZ2NuDhVB/?igshid=4xcsppz2f9d0

[puddingface1902]

This is the itch.io link to my vector houses, mansions and buildings. I updated it yeterday with animated doors and windows.

[chriscrazyhouse]

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A post shared by Chris Crazy House (@chriscrazyhouse)

Found some old NINJA animation from back in 2009. Moving Camera #chriscrazyhouse #vector #vectorart #vectorillustration #ninja #ninjas #kitana #action #chinesethrowingstars #nunjuks #ninjitsu #samurai #throwback #animation #2danimation #2dsprites #actionanimation #penciltest #pencilanmation #vectoranimation https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxmnk31Bm1j/?igshid=12pyii0eby7ln

[c-scheel]

Nymphata alba

The process in steps, for a sprite that will mostly be

shown in the sizes 512 or 256.

[jimmysoulartwork-blog]

Lighting online. FF13

[kandlesart]

Here's some recent freelance work I did for Kepithor Studios You can check out more about Kingdom Karnage, the game that this character will be in at https://KepithorStudios.com

[schleezed-blog]

As i thought, this become hilariously comical character. I combine Tatsumaru (tenchu), techno viking guy, a hindi colosal general and a Raden (indonesian noble). All of them is the ressemblance of manly in my mind.

[sergaz]

Another prop for an upcoming piece.

[kuribo4indahouse]

Saber in Nitroplus Blasterz on Steam

[itsaleon]

Some sprites animation i did for a game

[sergaz]

I think, I lack critical knowledge to animate properly in Photoshop.

Juggling 7 layers for the flames, 2 layers for the lantern and 2 layers for the overkill amount of blossoms and their respective keyframes in Photoshop's Timeline, is a bit too tedious for the effect I am looking for.

Contemplating about rebuilding the scene in Unity with 2DSprites, which would give me more precise control.

[chriscrazyhouse]

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A post shared by Chris Crazy House (@chriscrazyhouse)

Found some old NINJA animation from back in 2009. Static camera. #chriscrazyhouse #vector #vectorart #vectorillustration #ninja #ninjas #kitana #action #chinesethrowingstars #nunjuks #ninjitsu #samurai #throwback #animation #2danimation #2dsprites #actionanimation #penciltest #pencilanmation #vectoranimation https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxmne-0hPDB/?igshid=13498s5c475vv