Is It a Good Time to Work At the Best Low Poly Games?
It is a great time to be a game developer. Despite layoffs backlash, despite the rise of GaaS and f2p projects, despite the console wars and other issues, it is hard to find any other niche that delivers creative freedom to people who have technical skills. The BandurArt team which specializes in creating game assets and full-scale interactive projects, assures beginner developers that it is worth learning how to make the best low poly games in 2024 and beyond. The following guide will prove this point (or not).
What Makes The Best Low Poly Games?
According to Wikipedia, “low poly” is a term used in the 3D modeling niche. It means relating to models that contain few polygons. This method is applied frequently in game design because it offers advantages for performance and effectiveness.
Low-poly model (LPM) refers to a 3D model that has very few polygons, which are simply geometric shapes (usually triangles or quadrilaterals) making up the polygon mesh. In most cases, more polygons indicate more details in the model. Nonetheless, low-poly models can be quite useful and preferred by certain game developers.
Low-poly models are quicker to make and do not need as many system resources. You can significantly speed up the game development process if you pick LPM. On the other hand, high-poly models have more detail but they are usually used in renders or presentations instead of real-time applications like games.
Some of the best low poly video games use 3D LPM made by professional artists. For example, the BandurArt team offers the services of 3D game illumination for creators who require concept art and beautiful assets for their gaming projects.
Advantages of Low Poly Game Art:
- Low poly models can be rendered more easily, assisting your game to run smoothly on various devices;
- Faster and cheaper to create, perfect for indie developers.
- Stand out with a unique, memorable look in your video game projects;
- It works across many game genres, from platformers to shooters;
Disadvantages of Low Poly Game Art:
- Simplifying can imply a loss of detail. The methods like normal maps can assist in including detail without adding more polygons;
- Limited polygons mean simpler animations. Focus on fluidity over complexity.
- The low poly style games can’t be hyper-realistic. It’s better to choose another visual art and method for more photorealistic projects;
How Do They Make The Striking Art for The Best Low Poly Games?
What do we value the most in video games? The excitement of playing or being at the top of leaderboards? But no matter your preference, visuals hold a vital role. They have the power to enhance or diminish a game’s charm. The low poly game art is characterized by its usage of few polygons and offers an excellent choice for independent developers who cannot manage the high-priced visuals seen in top-tier AAA titles.
3D models with only a small amount of polygons, focus on form and shape more than complex details. This simple style is preferred for indie and mobile games, as they often have fewer resources. Games such as Minecraft or Journey —sparkle with basic yet powerful visuals.
When to Use Low Poly Game Art in Video Games?
Deciding the art style for your game relies on your budget and target audience. If you have a tight budget, the low poly art for your indie game can be suitable. Pick the low poly game style:
- Low poly art is lightweight, so it can run smoothly on mobile devices with outdated hardware;
- Low poly 3D games are easier and cheaper to create, being perfect for small teams;
- Whenever you need stylized visuals at a low cost this game art style is more suitable;
The Key Principles of All the Best Low Poly Games
We have already found out that low-poly means 3D models that have been made with a small amount of polygons. Polygons are the building blocks of a 3D model, they are flat geometric shapes linked together to form the structure. Low-poly models use fewer polygons in their design which results in reduced details but a faster creation process, this is great for keeping games running smoothly and maintaining good performance overall.
Smooth Appearance with Smoothing Tools
CAD software could apply smoothing algorithms to reduce the polygon count while keeping a smooth look. For instance, Blender has options like “Shade Smooth” and “Auto Smooth” that are usually effective when used with an angle setting of around 30°.
Add Unique Details
Make the low poly characters visually appealing by adding special and attractive details, even with fewer polygons. In such a way your game can be unique and noticeable without requiring photorealistic graphics.
Quality Texturing
Professional modeling, layer colors, and patterns to create good textures. This gives the model a realistic and attractive appearance.
Use Normal Mapping
Use normal mapping to change the lighting and give the impression of depth and detail, all this without increasing the polygon count. This method improves textures by making models look more detailed than they are.
From High-Poly to Low-Poly
Initially, you make a high-poly model and then simplify it into low-poly. This keeps important characteristics intact while reducing the number of polygons for game use.
Choose Quads Over Other Polygons
Consider using quadrilateral polygons (quads) rather than triangles or pentagons. Quads are more straightforward to transform into subdivision surfaces and they offer better mesh regularity.
Advanced Techniques to Make Low Poly Indie Games
Those indie game developers who want to create really interesting projects should learn the advanced techniques at some points:
- Vertex Painting. Add color and detail directly to vertices for organic effects.
- Procedural/Generative 3D Modeling. Use algorithms to generate complex environments.
- Blending Techniques. Combine materials and textures for realistic effects without extra polygons.
- Cel Shading. Create a cartoonish look with bold outlines and simplified lighting;
- UV Unwrapping. Flatten 3D models into 2D textures for detailed, efficient designs;
It is hard to find the old low poly games with such technologies, but nowadays many beginners and small teams more often use these advanced techniques.
Tips and Tricks for Creating The Best Low Poly Games
Draw your thoughts. Determine the information to be included and what to omit. Simplicity is important when creating low poly games.
Concentrate on the player’s character and items nearer to the camera. Things that are far away or moving swiftly do not require too much attention to detail.
Ensure every model possesses a distinct, identifiable form. Robust outlines assist in separating your designs from a distance.
Keep the variety in colors restricted. Omitting delicate elements such as scratches is fine since they might not be seen in low poly surroundings.
Good lighting can bring out the depth and shape of your models. Use shadows to give contrast and life to the video gaming scenes.
Use 2D backgrounds to save polygons and boost visual attractiveness.
Simplify the geometric modeling and don’t use extra subdivisions. Models that work efficiently are more compatible with different devices.
5 Best Modern Low Poly Games For Inspiration
To be able to make the best looking low poly games you need to learn from the best titles that have been already released. The BandurArt team collected the top 5 game projects with the low poly style that were made by a small team with mostly beginner developers. Hopefully, they will inspire you:
- Don’t Mess With Texas
A game made to encourage Texas anti-littering. In this, you are a small armadillo who clears away litter that has been left behind by a group from the area. The game shows an attractive low-poly setting and is aimed at younger players to teach them about protecting our environment.
- Superhot
A game-changing FPS game made using Unity, known for its innovative time mechanics where time progresses only when the player moves. The low-poly style of the game, characterized by gray and white surfaces, combined with red enemies and black weapons gives it a strong visual impact.
- Morphite
Morphite, which has been influenced by No Man’s Sky, presents extensive randomly formed planets for investigation across mobile, console, and PC systems. Even if it was made mainly for mobile devices, this game attracts players with its colorful low-poly universes and huge exploration possibilities.
- Night In The Woods
It is one of the best low poly horror games made in Unity with stunning David Lynch references in the storyline. The special aspect of this game is its ability to provide a comfortable and interesting atmosphere that works well with very good character designing, and writing skills, and a fun aspect that has garnered it much praise from those who play it regularly.
- Astroneer
A science fiction game for exploring new worlds, made using Unreal Engine 4 and released on Xbox and PC. It shows charming low-poly visuals, impressive planet settings detailed terraforming abilities along captivating day-night changes that make the game’s exploration and construction elements quite interesting.
Some of these best looking low poly games are made with Unity. It is preferable to start with this engine because it’s affordable and easy to learn from scratch. Start with free YouTube video tutorials and then go to GitHub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to create unique characters for the best low poly games?
First, put in background pictures and set up alignment for them in the front view as well as the side view. The next step is to shape a plane forming a basic body structure by making loop cuts and extrusions on it.
Apply the mirror modifier to make sure there is symmetry. Use loop cuts for refining the legs, neck, and chin. Shape these parts according to how they appear in our reference image. To sculpt ears and eyes, extrude selected faces and shape them as per requirement. A knife tool aids in refining topology while adding details too.
Use multiple material slots for varied colors, form a rig through the Rigify add-on, and modify bone weights to achieve precise mesh movement. Apply keyframes for animations and ready the model for export. Make use of NVIDIA RTX GPUs and PC Specialist systems to improve Blender’s performance and your working process.
What are the most popular low poly game genres?
As of May 2024, many beginners choose low poly horror games because the players adore them. However, according to Steam statistics, the most popular low poly gaming genres are cozy games like Stardew Valley, RPGs, survival craft projects, puzzle quests, racing, and adventure titles. While the most popular platforms for low poly game developers are mobile and PC devices.
How do I convert a 3D model to low-poly?
Yes, surely, it is possible. You just need to use Blender. Your steps can be the following:
- Add the Decimate Modifier. This tool reduces the polygon count of your model;
- Adjust the Ratio. Reduce the ratio to decrease the number of polygons but keep the crucial shape of the model;
Is low-poly modeling hard?
In general, making low-poly models is simpler compared to high-poly modeling. This type involves fewer polygons to handle. The simplicity of low-poly modeling can be more appealing for fast 3D model development, especially for those starting out or with time-sensitive projects. This Reddit thread explores all the challenges you may across when making a low poly game title.
Conclusion
We hope you had some interesting insights about the development of the best low poly games. You can create a low poly game with a limited budget and skills. Our team proves that every day. To cut a long story short, you are to be passionate about what you are doing. Be humble and hard working to be able to create one of the best games in the low poly style. The BandurArt team is here to help you with expert advice and reliable art services.
