Materials for creating 2D and 3D games. Sources and tools

Creating computer games and more is a fascinating and multifaceted process that requires the use of many materials and tools. From simple arcades to complex 3D open-world games, each project has its own unique needs. In this article, we will look at what games are based on complexity, the main differences between 2D and 3D games, and what materials are used to create 2D and 3D games. As an additional filling, we will list the best resources for developers.

What are the complexity of the devices of games?

Games can vary in their complexity and required computing resources from the simplest to the most complex:

1. Simple Games:

• Mobile Games: Often have simple graphics and mechanics. Examples include arcade and casual games.
• Browser Games:Easily accessible via web browsers, often have limited graphics and gameplay.

2. Medium-Difficult Games:

• Indie Games: Created by small teams or solo developers. They can be either 2D or 3D, with a variety of gameplay and style.
• AA games: Have a higher budget and level of detail than indie games, but do not reach the level of AAA games.

3. Complex games:

• AAA games: Developed by large studios with large budgets. They include complex graphics, realistic physics, and a deep story.
• VR games: Require powerful devices and special controllers to create an immersive experience.

2D and 3D games: the main differences

• 2D games

Graphics: Use flat images (sprites) for characters, objects, and backgrounds.

Perspective: Representing the world on a plane, with limited depth perception.

Examples: Classic platformers (Mario), arcades (Pac-Man), puzzles (Tetris).

• 3D games

Graphics: Use three-dimensional models to create realistic characters and environments.

Perspective: Full perception of depth and volume, the ability to move in three dimensions.

Examples: Modern shooters (Call of Duty), role-playing games (The Witcher 3), simulators (The Sims).

Materials for creating 2D and 3D games

Everything that is used to create games has already been created by someone or created by artists, sound editors, programmers and other creative individuals from scratch. 

• 2D Games

Sprites: Hand-drawn images of characters, objects, and backgrounds.

Tiles: Small images used to create levels.

Backgrounds: Stationary or scrolling backgrounds.

Animations: Sets of frames used to bring characters and objects to life.

• 3D Games

3D Models: Objects, characters, and environments created using 3D Modeling.

Textures: Images applied to 3D models to give them a detailed appearance.

Skeletons and Animations: Bone structures and animation data for the movement of characters and objects.

Physics: Data and algorithms for realistic object interactions.

What sources and tools are used in game creation?

Graphics and animation

1. 2D editors:

• Photoshop: A widely used editor for creating sprites and textures.
• GIMP: A free alternative to Photoshop with many features.
• Aseprite: A specialized tool for creating pixel art and animations.

2. 3D modeling:

• Blender: Free and powerful tool for 3D modeling and animation.
• Maya: Professional software for creating high-quality 3D models and animations.
• 3ds Max: Another popular tool for 3D modeling.

Game engines

1. Unity: Suitable for creating both 2D and 3D games. It has a wide range of tools and a large library of resources.
2. Unreal Engine: Popular for creating high-quality 3D games due to its powerful tools and graphics capabilities.
3. Godot: An open-source game engine with support for 2D and 3D graphics, known for its simplicity and flexibility.
4. GameMaker Studio: An easy-to-use engine for creating 2D games, especially popular among indie developers.

Sound effects and music

1. Audacity: A free recording and editing tool sound.
2. FL Studio: Powerful software for creating and editing music.
3. Bfxr: A simple tool for creating retro sound effects.

Physics tools

1. PhysX: A physics engine integrated into Unreal Engine.
2. Box2D: A popular physics engine for 2D games, often used in Unity and other engines.

Best Known Resources

1. Stack Overflow: A forum for programmers to find answers to technical questions.
2. Unity Learn: A vast library of learning materials on Unity.
3. Unreal Engine Documentation: Official documentation and tutorials for Unreal Engine.
4. Blender Guru: Blender tutorials and courses.
5. net: A community of toy developers with forums, articles, and resources.
6. ArtStation: A platform for artists to find inspiration and examples of their work.
7. FreeSound: A library of free sound effects and music.

Creating game projects and bringing them to the final implementation is a complex process that requires creativity, technical skills, and the correct use of available resources. With the help of these tools and sources, developers can create unique and exciting masterpieces.