LUNARK's dev discusses the enduring appeal of pixel art
Pixel perfect
For a small window of time in the game industry, pixel graphics were seen as old hat. Developers were enamored with 3D graphics and gamers only wanted titles made with polygons, or so they thought. Once the ‘wow’ factor of polygons cooled off, gamers and developers alike recognized that pixel graphics weren’t a visual style that was outdated, but instead, one that would stand the test of time.
LUNARK is one of the latest games to employ a pixelated approach, and to a gorgeous effect. In an interview with Forever Classic Games, LUNARK dev Johan Vinet discusses what it is about pixel graphics that gives them long-lasting appeal.
I used to think that it was due to the sense of nostalgia for players who grew up playing games from the 8/16-bit eras. But maybe that timeless quality also comes from their simplicity and versatility? Unlike more realistic graphics, they don’t feel outdated or obsolete. Additionally, pixel-art graphics are often used in indie games, which tend to focus on unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling, so maybe today it’s a much richer and more complex message that is transmitted to players when they look at a game in this style?
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