Pixel Art has been a crucial aspect of game development for a long time. From the beginning of the modern era, it has helped develop the aesthetics of different video games. For gamers and game developers, knowing the basics of Pixel Art has been essential in subjecting the progress of presentation styles in video games, building both the story and its gameplay.

Since the YouTube video of Nintendo expert and Japanese video game director Masahiro Sakurai on the basic of Pixel Art on the channel of Creating Games, developers, and fans are excited to know the initial rules of the popular Pixel Art.

Some basics discussed by Sakurai

This YouTube tutorial by Masahiro Sakurai focuses on the Pixel Art techniques of the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. He discussed limited colors and pixels for creating sprites. Sprites individual graphic units with smooth-moving ability on screen. Sakurai tells that they use 16 X 16-pixel sprites. Hence, this tutorial is not applicable to modern games with larger color palettes and colors.

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During the video, he suggests 15 pixels for creating the width of 16 pixels as it gives symmetrical and cleaner results. His idea of using odd-number pixels helps in creating a smooth centerline with a rough visual presentation for buildings and game crafts. Sakurai advises developers to use black and white colors for different visual textures. He uses the example of a zig-zag pattern of black and white for highlights.

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Sakurai focuses more on the animation part as it helps in adding flavor to the game. But this tutorial does not offer much knowledge of animation. He also chooses to let his audience know that they sell their Pixel Art, which has been used in games like Kirby by Nintendo games. He gives the example of the color and appearance transition of Kirby when he gains weight while getting abilities. This example is used to help viewers understand the importance of color transitions to enhance the game experience.

Viewer’s response

Since the release of the video on 7th June, it has received 50,439 views, which show the positive reception of the tutorial among the viewers. There were positive comments on the video where developers expressed the help they received from this tutorial. Many viewers commented on how the limitations and tricks discussed in the video appear helpful for them. Some comments read, Amazing video as always. When I was little, I only had Microsoft Paint, so I would zoom in as far as possible and try to create pixel art. It was certainly easier than trying to create pixel art in Miiverse. Like drawing, or sculpting, or any visual art process, pixel art is often more about capturing the “idea” of an image rather than an image itself. 

This tutorial by Sakurai on the basis of Pixel Art shows the interest of developers and players in the art form. It also projects the future of Pixel Art as a separate aesthetic style form in the presentation of video games. Looking at the curious and satisfactory comments from the viewers, it is undoubted that we will wait for more tutorials like this and with more details, to tickle our creative brains and emerge into the world of Pixel Art.

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