Why is pixel graphics so popular among indie developers?

[Prismisho]

Every 2D style indie game that I see is just pixel art or 16bit or 8bit. Why does indie developers use this style to death?

[Phirestar]

It’s more accessible for smaller developers with tighter budgets and fewer people.

And other times it’s a stylistic choice, because people enjoy pixel art.

[Agent]

Because 3D game development is much more expensive and risky. Not really worth it for most indie developers.

[Auraplayer (Stir Crazy)]

Because it's tried and tested, as well as it presenting a good artistic challenge for the developers. Oh, and it's well-known the pixelated graphics is a good way to remind many folks of simpler times.

[Dracoco OwO]

Because 3D is hard.

[Q-T_3.14.exe]

It takes time and money and you have to make the hitboxes and stuff like that.

[Crazy Tiger]

With the RPG Makers and such there are good assets for devs to use and utilise. It comes down to costs. Plus for such games often that pixel look fits and is something people enjoy/like.

[Duckilous]

Well imagine yourself in their shoes.

Do you know how to draw 2D art very well?

No?

Do you have any spare money to hire artists for your entire game aside from promotional art?

No?

Then what choice do you have other than drawing pixel art?

Learn to draw?
Well that would take years to become a real good artist and some developers just want to get their game out as soon as possible.

Pixel art is commonly used in 2D indie games either because the developer can't draw 2D artwork or they're simply aiming for a retro-style game so pixel aesthetic would be more fitting. There're lots of people who enjoys retro gaming that would be into that anyway.

[shoopy]

If you're not careful with 2D, it can easily end up looking like a cheap Flash game.

[the vampire of time and memory]

because they're indie? all you have to do is just like think about it for two seconds

[Barney, from Black Mesa.]

Originalmente postado por the vampire of time and memory:

because they're indie? all you have to do is just like think about it for two seconds

That sounds like mostly every Triple A game ever made to-date.

[🦜Cloud Boy🦜]

Because pixel graphics are cheap and easy to produce. They call it an art style and love for nostalgia retro graphics, as an excuse to justify it.

[Varde]

It's harder to make a 3D game perfect.

[ʙᴜɴ.ᴇ]

easier to draw, easier to code in 2D than 3D.

3D games usually need an expensive engine and a lot of work and a larger team to make a half decent 3D game. 2D can be done with a small team and in many cases solo.

retro styled 2D games also pay homage to the classic games of the past (unless the game sucks ofcourse)

[Devsman]

All of the above is true, or at least close enough, but there's one major reason everyone's forgetting. Because Mega Man 9 gave them the idea.

[𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕤𝕖𝕝𝕫]

Originalmente postado por Devsman:

All of the above is true, or at least close enough, but there's one major reason everyone's forgetting. Because Mega Man 9 gave them the idea.

No, it didn't.