Pixel-graphic games have no future? Developers don't think so

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Blake Reynolds is an artist at independent game studio Dinofarm Games. After launching the strategy game Auro for iOS and Android, he found that many players described the game's graphics as "pixelated," so he decided to abandon the pixel style in future game creations.

Reynolds believes that in today's mobile game market, high-definition graphics are more attractive to players than pixel-style graphics, and games with pixel-style graphics are often mistaken for retro games, raising the threshold for players to download and experience the games.

Is Reynolds's statement the consensus of independent game developers? Recently, many well-known independent developers in Europe and the United States shared their views.

Tanya Short, Creative Director, Kitfox Games

I totally disagree with Reynolds's opinion. I think he is too biased towards pixel graphics and completely ignores excellent pixel-style games such as Light Drifter.

Pixel style is one of the optional styles of game screens. Whether developers adopt this style depends on the type of game and the characteristics of the audience. It is not just a tool to trigger people's nostalgia.

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Light Traveler

In Moon Hunters, we used pixel art to try to evoke a more mythological vision for the player, and we worked hard to push the technology forward in areas such as lighting, particle effects, and transparency.

No game can please everyone. Some people will dislike your art choices, but as long as your players like it, that's enough. It's true that pixel art is probably not suitable for most games, but if it is well combined with other elements, it will be beneficial to the game as a whole.

Richard Perrin, owner of Locked Door Puzzle

I respect Reynolds, but I don't think people don't like pixel graphics. In my opinion, it is not objective for Reynolds to criticize the pixel style just because the graphics of the game he developed are not popular with players.

The success or failure of a game depends on many different factors that we cannot even control sometimes - the game graphics are just one of them and should not be given too much weight. In fact, there are many successful game products whether it is pixel graphics or HD graphics. If a game is great, then the graphics are part of the icing on the cake.

Personally, I think the choice of game graphics should be diversified. Many developers have found a highly recognizable graphics style that suits their own game types. If everyone follows the trend and follows the footsteps of successful people instead of developing their own market, it will be difficult for independent developers to give full play to their strengths.

Kepa Auwae, Designer at RocketCat Games

I have no words to say about Reynolds's statement, and I just want to list a few game names. They are called "Superbrothers: Sword and Sorcery", "Light Drifter", "Pixel Bird", "Risk of Rain" and "Minecraft"... Alas, they are all games with pixel graphics.

Pavel Ahafonau, Co-founder, Happymagenta

I feel like Reynolds is missing the point. The reason many players don't like Auro is probably not because of its pixelated graphics, but because it's a premium mobile game with a relatively high price tag.

In fact, there are many games that have achieved commercial success on console and mobile platforms, such as "Minecraft" and "Light Drifter".

Graphics are only part of the game. If the game itself is interesting enough, players will be easily attracted to it. Of course, developers should not be complacent and should understand the thoughts and tastes of contemporary players. I think on mobile platforms, the vast majority of players are unwilling to pay for downloading games.

This is why our studio released the pixel game John Mad Run for free. So far, the game has hundreds of thousands of players. So my advice is that independent developers should strive to create great game content and take into account market demand and player expectations. As for the choice of game graphics style, it is not the most important thing.

Ian Sundstrom, Designer

As a player of Auro, I disagree with Reynolds's opinion. On the contrary, the pixelated graphics are one of the reasons why I bought this game.

As game creators, we should remember that when users post comments, they tend to vent rather than express, and will over-evaluate the negative aspects of a game. I don't think Reynolds needs to be frustrated by negative user reviews, that's a bit too sensitive.

Dan Menard, CEO, Double Stallion

Any graphic style must adapt to the game you create and the needs and preferences of the target user group - many games do not require high-definition graphics, and their players do not have this demand.

But it is necessary for developers to study the market and change the game design ideas based on player feedback. If players think your game looks too retro, and this is not the message you want to convey to them, then there is definitely a problem in your communication with players.

Ben Murch, Creative Director, Rodeo Games

In video games, pixel art is a digital medium, like bricks in architecture, pens in writing, and watercolors in painting. It is one of the elements that form the final work.

In the best products, one medium doesn't stand alone - instead, it's intertwined with the other elements of the whole product. Developers need to choose which medium will best help them interpret a game.

As a game developer, what do you think? Feel free to leave a message to discuss.