Character Creation: Comparison of 3D and 2D Video Game Graphics Workflow

Abstract

Indie video games are rising in popularity. Developing video games as a single person has been a thing since the start of the industry. However, it is not easy, especially with rise in competition. As a developer, one of the choices that needs to be made is whether to develop a game in 2D or 3D. There is a lack of guidance in terms of academic research to help this decision. The goal was to produce academic research to give helpful information, rather than attempting to answer if one is better than the other. This information is aimed to help game developers make their choice.

The workflow of creating 2D and 3D graphics for a video game was compared. The objective was to find what benefits do both 2D and 3D graphics have and finding steps to ease the process of creating animations for them later. The research method chosen to complete these objectives was action research. A framework was created through qualitative research via a literature review about creating graphics and video game character design. This was used in a practical implementation where a video game character was first designed and then created in both 2D and 3D.

The major conclusion from the results of the practical implementation is that 2D workflow is quicker and arguably easier than 3D workflow, but the latter is more flexible for adjustments later. Using armature models ease animating at a later stage with both graphical styles. A 2D character likely requires new assets to be drawn when adding different animations. With 3D on the other hand the model can be utilized and manipulated easily for creating new animations.