What is really the difference between 2D and 3D games? Of course, there are differences in appearance, user experience, and development process. However, the general skill set needed to develop 2D and 3D games is the same, even if that means you have no programming experience. All you need is the imagination to bring the game to life.
But which format is best for your game? Here’s how to determine whether creating a 2D or 3D game is best for bringing your vision to life.
2D and 3D games differ in complex technological terms, but at a basic level, these game formats have different looks in the way the characters look and move, as well as the background of the game. Even the goals or objectives of the game are different.
2D design makes games “flat” in nature, which also simplifies the camera because the game can only be viewed from one side (side/top). However, there are ways to give 2D games some artificial depth by making isometry like in “Fallout 2” or through the parallax effect. Parallax scrolling is when the background moves at a different speed (the farther the object, the slower) than the foreground. In a 2D game, the controls are generally simplified: moving the joystick in one direction makes the character move in that direction.
3D games have volume and depth, which affect how characters move in the game, creating a more realistic gameplay experience.
2D games move along two axes of motion, restricting character movement in a flat environment. 3D games, on the other hand, allow 360-degree fields of motion to rotate. Often the camera can be moved independently of the character.
To create this rotation effect, sprites are not enough, because the elements in the game must react to each other in a much more sophisticated way. Instead, game elements, called textures, are rendered on elements called 3D model surfaces, creating a deep and three-dimensional look.
A large number of 2D games are about getting from point A to point B and avoiding enemies along the way. Examples include 2D racing games in which you try to get to the finish line by avoiding other cars and other obstacles.
3D games offer more varied gameplay. Instead of just going from start to finish, characters can move through space: solving spatial puzzles, exploring, and completing multi-level challenges.
While it may seem like it’s harder to create a 3D game than a 2D game, that’s simply not true, and you shouldn’t have to worry about which type of game is harder to develop. The question you really have to ask yourself is what kind of game experience you want your users to have. Are you looking for a simpler game with the goal of rushing from point A to point B, or do you want your players to look for clues on a detailed map to win the game, as they might in 3D games?
Another consideration is what engine people are going to play the game on. 3D games are popular among console and PC games and have made significant inroads into the mobile game market, while 2D games are more popular for mobile devices. Knowing market trends is an indispensable tool to help you understand where your game buyers are.
Game builders without programming, like Buildbox, allow you to create both 2D and 3D games. Popular engines and builders tend to offer excellent customization with drag-and-drop resources, quick prototypes, and built-in template libraries. Templates and smartassets make it quick and easy to bring unique game environments, such as space shooters, to life.
The builder makes it easy to create games without requiring programming knowledge. Templates and resource assets help you get your development started. Or you can create your own game from scratch. Either way, you can use the templates to preview and preview your game in real time.