Hi-bit pixel graphics : new era of pixel art

Abstract

This bachelor’s thesis studies how pixel graphics in video games are seen today, and what current trends make classic pixel graphics hi-bit. This thesis briefly covers the beginnings of pixel graphics, how pixel graphics in video games have changed over the years, as well as a few key techniques that make hi-bit pixel art.

To further demonstrate the elements of hi-bit pixel graphics, a short game demo “Mr. Skullerton’s Vault” was created in the Unity game engine. In this demonstration a variety of different hi-bit pixel art techniques were tested, including pixel perfect settings, normal mapping, skeletal animation. The techniques tested in this demonstration proved to be significant elements, which distinguish classic pixel graphics from hi-bit pixel art.