Tell me more ×
Game Development Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professional and independent game developers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote -1 down vote favorite

Can you suggest me tips to design new characters, scene elements, screen design, sprite design? Tips may include methods, rapid softwares, strategies, how to guides, etc. At moment, we know Adobe products for design. Can you offer faster alternatives for mobile projects?

share|improve this question
3  
This is not constructive since there is no correct answer. See the FAQ about what types of questions to ask here. – Byte56 Aug 31 '12 at 16:29

closed as not constructive by Byte56, John McDonald, Tetrad♦ Sep 1 '12 at 0:00

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

1 Answer

up vote 0 down vote

First - since you are talking about sprites I take it you are designing 2D graphics. One major question is if you want to have the base designs in vector graphics format or in bitmap (pixel based) image format. I would suggest vector graphics since then you can easily scale, re-color an and make other changes to your elements before converting them to jpg or whatever final file format your graphic assets should be in. Vector graphics are also easier to use for layout mock-ups due to their flexibility. Apart from Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics you have CorelDraw which is very good at importing and exporting from and to various graphics formats - both bitmaps and vectors.

Another option - if you want the option of a 3D-look in your screen assets - is to use an actual 3D-modelling program and render out your buttons, sprites etc. Apart from all the commercial alternatives (3DSMax, Modo, Maya, Houdini, XSI, Lightwave ...) you have freeware alternatives like Blender.

These are the more general guidelines I can think of regarding software and formats to use. For more specific tips yo'll have to provide more specifics regarding the platform and end application for your assets.

  • What platform are you developing on - Win, Mac, Linux?
  • Will the game be browser based, native ...
  • What platform/platforms are targeted - iOS, Android, WP7?
  • What kind of hardware specs will you target?
  • Are you using a game engine - if so, what engine?
  • What kind of game is it - FPS, side scroller, MMO ...

... and dozens of more specifics like that.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.