Pixel Art History & Drawing Tool
Pixel art, a form of digital art created through the editing of pixels at the individual level, has a rich history with the evolution of video games. This art form became especially significant in the early days of video game development due to technical limitations. The simplicity and expressiveness of pixel art allowed developers to create vivid images and characters with minimal resources.
So, this is my pixel art creation... tool... thing. In other words, simple javascript drawing program for 16x16, 32x32 or 64x64 pixel art. If you like drawing pixel art, and simple tools like the one on this site is too limited, I highly recommend PixiEditor. It's open source and free. Another great resource for 2D pixel art is opengameart.org. I've used the open source material several times in my games like 2048, Dino Run and Flappy bird. It will also serve as a large library of inspiration for your own creations. Last but not least, if you want to create levels or whole worlds with your art, take a look at Tiled level editor. Again, it's free and open source.
Quick instructions how to use this tool:
Preview:
- Left mouse button will draw.
- Right mouse button will erase.
- Choose resolution: 16x16, 32x32 or 64x64.
- Choose color with included "Pickr" plugin with full transparency support.
- Preview windows shows real size 16x16, 32x32 and 64x64 image.
- Download image in .png format either in original high-res size of 448x448, or select size according to your drawing resolution.
- Save your work by downloading your image, and uploading it back to the tool.
- Grid and background color are only for reference, these are not included in the downloaded image.
- You can also upload your own images and modify them. Please mind the resolution.
Upload image:
The Beginnings: 1970s-1980s
Pixel art's roots can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when the first generation of home consoles and personal computers appeared. During this era, the limited resolution and color palettes of screens forced designers to work with a highly constrained medium. Despite these limitations, iconic titles like "Space Invaders" (1978) and "Pac-Man" (1980) showcased the potential of pixel art to create recognizable characters with personality. The 8-bit era of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) further cemented pixel art's place in gaming, with franchises like "Super Mario Bros." and "The Legend of Zelda" turning into cultural phenomena.
The Golden Age: 1990s
The 1990s are often considered the golden age of pixel art in video games. The 16-bit consoles, such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega MegaDrive (or Genesis in US), offered developers a broader color palette and higher resolutions. This technological leap allowed for more detailed and complex artworks. Games like "Chrono Trigger," "Super Mario World," and "Sonic the Hedgehog" were not only milestones in gameplay but also in visual storytelling. This period also saw the rise of fighting games like "Street Fighter II," which utilized pixel art to create fluid animations and diverse character designs.
The Decline and Resurgence: 2000s-Present
With the advent of 3D graphics technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s, pixel art began to decline in mainstream game development. The industry's focus shifted towards more realistic graphics, leaving pixel art to be perceived as outdated. However, the mid-2000s saw a resurgence of pixel art, thanks to the indie game movement. Independent developers, often working with limited budgets, embraced pixel art for its aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness. Games like "Cave Story" (2004) and "Super Meat Boy" (2010) demonstrated that pixel art could still captivate audiences with its charm and simplicity.
Modern Pixel Art and Its Significance
Today, pixel art thrives in a niche market, cherished for its nostalgic value and artistic expression. It is no longer just a workaround for technical limitations but a deliberate stylistic choice. Modern games like "Shovel Knight" and "Stardew Valley" have embraced pixel art, blending retro aesthetics with contemporary gameplay mechanics. Additionally, the rise of platforms like PICO-8, a fantasy console for making, sharing, and playing tiny games and other computer programs, highlights the enduring appeal of pixel art among hobbyists and indie developers.
Pixel art has evolved from a necessity to an art form celebrated for its unique aesthetic and ability to evoke nostalgia. Today it's a testament to the creativity and innovation of game developers, who have pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved within the constraints of pixelated graphics. As technology advances, pixel art remains a beloved bridge connecting the past and future of game development.