Video games have been a part of the entertainment industry since their inception. From “Pong” to modern triple-A titles, the gaming industry has evolved significantly over time. In fact, statistics show that the video game industry is now almost a $100 billion market and continues to multiply.
Given the importance of visuals in video games, game developers strive to create immersive and engaging backgrounds for their games. For 2D titles, this means designing backgrounds that create an atmosphere for players to explore and connect. Here are four tips for creating impactful 2D video game backgrounds.
1. Utilize Foreground Objects
One way to create an impactful background for a 2D video game is by utilizing foreground objects that blend into the environment and draw attention to essential elements within your level or scene. Various interactive objects placed throughout your level can give the player a sense of immersion and offer them multiple ways to interact with the game. Foreground objects should be placed thoughtfully, as too many can quickly clutter your level and detract from its overall look and feel.
Depending on the type of game you’re designing, you may use some foreground objects more than others. For example, in a puzzle game, interactive objects can be used as part of a puzzle or as obstacles the player must overcome. In action games, you can use items in the foreground to create a cover for the player or provide them with additional resources, such as weapon pickups or health pickups. Additionally, consider how these objects interact with the environment. If they are placed close enough to walls and other elements in your level, their collision boxes could affect the gameplay experience or even cause bugs.
Foreground objects should also be visually appealing and accurately reflect the theme of your level or game. For example, if you are creating a fantasy game, you may want to use plant life or armor pieces to create an immersive atmosphere. In contrast, if your game is set in modern times, you could use more realistic and everyday items such as furniture and vehicles instead.
2. Incorporate Background Animation
Background animation is one of the most powerful tools available when designing impactful backgrounds for 2D video games. By adding simple animations to your background, you can add depth to your environment without adding extra complexity or resources. Animations like birds flying around or clouds drifting by are often used to create an illusion of motion in still environments. This can help keep players engaged even during more mundane segments of your game’s storyline or levels.
You can also use background animation to create a sense of atmosphere or mood in your game. Animations like waves lapping against the shore, trees swaying in the wind, or fires burning can all convey a subtly different feeling than simply having a static background. This is especially useful when you want to set the scene for a critical moment in your game. By creating unique animations, you can draw attention to the important elements of your game and help players truly appreciate its atmosphere.
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In addition to creating an atmosphere, you can use background animation to draw attention to interactive objects, like items or characters in a scene. Animations like flashing lights, bubbling water, or sparks can draw attention to specific elements and help guide players in the right direction. This is especially useful when guiding players through long, open levels or tricky puzzles.
3. Incorporate Weather Effects
Weather effects are another great way to add some life to your backgrounds and make them more impactful. Rain, snow, fog, and other weather effects can all be used to set the tone for a particular area of your game. For example, rain could create a somber mood in a specific setting, or snow to add some magic and mystery to another. Weather effects can also be used as an environmental hazard or obstacle that players must overcome while progressing through the level.
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The creative possibilities that come with incorporating weather effects are endless. You can also use weather effects to influence how players interact with the game world, such as making it harder for them to traverse certain areas when wet or slippery.
4. Outsource Your Game Art
Lastly, you can outsource 2D game art to an experienced game artist who can create visually stunning backgrounds for your 2D video game. By having a professional take care of the artwork, you can ensure that all background design elements are top-notch and will help bring your level or scene to life. Additionally, outsourcing can be a great way to get quality graphics without breaking the bank if you have a limited budget.
Whether you create your own backgrounds or outsource them, make sure that the game art matches the style and theme of your game.
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To ensure continuity throughout your scenes, remember to pick a color palette ahead of time and stay consistent with it while designing backgrounds. You’ll also want to ensure that all your assets are optimized for the game platform you are using. This will help ensure that your background elements look as good onscreen as they did when you designed them.
In Closing
Creating impactful backgrounds for 2D video games is essential to any successful game development project. Adopting the tips and techniques discussed in this article will help ensure that your 2D video game backgrounds provide the most impactful experience possible. With an impressive and well-designed background, you can guarantee that your game will be a hit with players when it launches.
Read More: 2D Animation vs. 3D Animation – Which is Best for Your Business?