7 replies to this topic

[nick5454]

Would anyone recommend making 2d chars for my game Photoshop over Illustrator or vice versa.

 

I read that Illustrator does vector graphics which I assume is better for rendering, but I also read that Photoshop is pixel based which is what a 2d character will render as.

 

These are 2d characters with detailed drawings and have accessories like guns and clothes.

 

Any advice is appreciated.

Nick

[Hamsta]

Vector based graphics are infinitely scalable, so even though the final output will be rendered as raster, it will be easier maintaining the same crisp look independent of resolution. They tend to be smaller files when compared to raster graphics.

On the other hand, vector graphics have a certain look to them, which may not be appropriate for all applications.

[Prinz Eugn]

Hello, here are two quick and dirty articles you can look over and see whether raster or vector is better suited to what you want to do:

 

Raster: http://www.gamedev.net/page/resources/_/creative/visual-arts/better-programmer-art-r2594

 

 

Vector: http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ChrisHildenbrand/20111015/8669/2D_Game_Art_For_Programmers__Part_1_updated.php

 

For detail I would lean towards raster (Photoshop or GIMP)

[sunandshadow]

2D graphics do not, in fact, have to be rendered as raster.  In some cases it's more efficient to render them as raster, but Flash and html5 can handle vectors as vectors.  Perhaps more importantly, I'd suggest you look at free software graphics programs (gimp and inkscape) before resorting to adobe software which is a lot more expensive for very little difference in capability.

Edited by sunandshadow, 20 March 2013 - 03:54 PM.

[Bearhugger]

Hello, here are two quick and dirty articles you can look over and see whether raster or vector is better suited to what you want to do:

 

Raster: http://www.gamedev.net/page/resources/_/creative/visual-arts/better-programmer-art-r2594

 

 

Vector: http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ChrisHildenbrand/20111015/8669/2D_Game_Art_For_Programmers__Part_1_updated.php

 

For detail I would lean towards raster (Photoshop or GIMP)

 

Your second link is absolutely fantastic, it should be stickied somewhere if it isn't already. Although I can draw just fine I feel like trying this "programmer art" out because I'm looking for a more "naive" style and it looks really great. Thanks. 

Edited by Bearhugger, 20 March 2013 - 09:46 PM.

[nick5454]

Thanks everyone!

[Hamsta]

Unless you have an old school vector display, all vectors are eventually going to be rendered as raster.

[DaveTroyer]

I guess its really your call and what you feel most comfortable with...but for conversation sake...

 

One thing you should also take into consideration is the engine or even the language the game is being created in.

If you're the lone programmer and you're building it all from scratch, then you'll learn your limitations. 

 

Also, think about what platform the game will be for. If you're creating an HTML5 based game for cell-phones, vector images might not be the best because of hardware limitations. Many games use higher resolution raster simply because the ease of getting much more detail and the sprites are scaled down to be added to the game.

 

So, in order for me to feel more comfortable giving my advice, what platform and engine/language will your game have?