Video Game Graphics Techniques – Art of Developers
What is Video Game Graphics?
Video game graphics are a medium that involves hand-drawn or computer rendering done by developers. The first graphics of gaming are vectors and started in 1980s with Stargilder. In this post, I will be losing different types of video game graphics techniques from vector to pixel art. Graphics also use shapes like Atari’s Ping Pong and later on 2D with Super Mario Bros. Game graphics later on can be transitioned into 3D to full motion video, for example Until Dawn. Depending on the developer choosing different techniques to produce these titles. First, let’s talk about vectors and shapes, which is beginning technique.
Vector and Shapes
Like I said, before Atari’s Ping Pong has this technique but also Namco’s Pac-Man. These uses lines to shoot beams and shapes to make a spaceship like Asteroids. There are objects in video games that represent person, place and thing. Some vector graphics can be used in Flash animation to this day. Vectors and shapes are easiest techniques in all gaming. As technology advances, you rarely seem thing in video games nowadays. There is one Space Slinger that I recently played during Steam Next Fest 2026. If you want to learn more about vectors and shapes, make sure to research them on your own.
3D Polygon
3D polygons is a standard technique that originated in 1990s with Virtual Fighter and PS1 games. Basely, 3D polygonal modeling is based on Geometry, which is mesh by corners, which is called vertex. For example, three points of a triangle, which is also called non-collinear plane. These three groups of polygons are also called “elements” and “face”, during 90s you will see them in fighting games, role-playing games like Final Fantasy VII and many more. Indie developers still use 3D polygon like Formula 2.5 and more. Not a lot of triple AAA use this technique anymore because how technology has grown.
Pixel Art
Pixel art is another popular medium and technique in gaming industry. Shantae series is known for it along with Rainbow Legends. This technique involves deep shading with limited color palettes making it higher resolution. Pixel art is another term for digital art using limited 8 to 6 16-bit graphics. These can be very similar to beadwork and traditional cross stitching. It also requires pencil, brush size (1×1) and adjusting hue or lighting. You might see pixel artists on social media, showcasing their work and modern video games. Be sure to look out for this type of medium.
Cel-Shading
Cel shading is another technique where uses hand-drawn gradient with contour lines. This uses black-outline which is called “back-face culling” and drawing it with a single color than afterwards using flat shading as finishing touch. For example, Sega’s Jet Set Radio series, which heavily uses cel-shading along with Legend of Zelda Wind Waker. I almost forgot about Dragon Ball Budokai 3 along with films like The Cat in the Hat 2026. Again, some video game developers still use it until this day. If you want to see cartoon and anime style graphics, then it right up your alley.
2.5D
2.5D is very prompted and recurring technique in video game history. This technique revolves around using 2D and 3D meshing it together. Three parts of 2.5D are isometric, dimetric and trimetric, which are drawing styles. Some of these objects can be angled in a top-down perspective which is 2D graphic. The perfect example is Klonoa, which uses this also Mouse P.I for Hire and Marvel Tokon Fighting Souls. Modern console still uses this and not going away anything soon. You will see this in video game remakes as well from your favorite titles.
Other Techniques
There are some others video game techniques that I haven’t mentioned in this blogpost. Make sure to check them out on your own or let me know what I am missing in the comments.
– Isometric
– Digitized sprites (Mortal Kombat)
– Rotoscoped
– Claymation
– Momochrome
– Voxel
– Many More
Closing
These are so many video game graphic techniques and mediums to look forward to. Depending on the game developers, they might create a whole new art style of graphics for everyone to see. Just like an artist, someone can be inspired by what they see around them. That’s why I love indie game devs because they bring back original style of gaming into modern generation. Graphics are the main reason I play video games next to gameplay and it is easy to play. Video game graphics sets apart on their own and make the IP stand out. If graphics not pleasing to someone, how will people enjoy it.
Gaming graphics will continue to evolve as technology keeps growing. I almost forgot about music as well, that’s one crucial element went video games as well. Video game graphics is very important and I can’t wait to see more in the near future. What do you think about video game graphics? Thank you for reading this blogpost and tune into the next one from yours truly.
Anjim Plays is a award-winning streamer from Washington DC, who is a advocate of blerd and gaming culture. I am willing to help others and work with brands.
