The Evolution of Video Game Graphics: From Pixelated to Photorealistic" transports you back in time to the early days of video games where the only way to display characters on screen was through pixelated graphics. Learn about the impact video game graphics have had on the tech world over the past several decades, and how some of these advancements have been incorporated into today's modern expectations.

Video games have come a long way since their inception in the 1950s. From simple games like Pong to complex virtual worlds like Fortnite, video games have been constantly evolving. One of the most significant changes in the history of video games is the evolution of graphics. In this blog, we will trace the evolution of video game graphics from pixelated to photorealistic. If a video game is set to be challenging, then the graphics should not be pixelated.

As a boy and as a man, my greatest experience with video games was the fast-paced action packed gameplay. When I first started playing video games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat, I had to squint and really see what was going on under the hood. As technology improved and those original games were rereleased on modern consoles, I marveled at how far we’ve come in the last two decades when it comes to graphics quality and realism. And still, we’re not there yet with graphics that match our current expectations of how real humans look in motion — like in movies or in real life.

Pixelated Graphics

The earliest video games had very basic graphics. They used simple shapes like squares, rectangles, and circles to create characters and environments. The resolution of these games was also very low, resulting in blurry and pixelated graphics. The most famous example of these games is the classic arcade game, Space Invaders.

Pixelated graphics are a type of video game graphics that use simple shapes and low resolution to create images. In pixelated graphics, images are composed of tiny squares or pixels, which are usually visible to the naked eye.

There are many pixelated graphics games out there, but here are some popular ones:

1. Minecraft - a sandbox game where players can build and explore blocky worlds.
2. Stardew Valley - a farming simulation game with retro-style graphics.
3. Terraria - a 2D sandbox adventure game with crafting and exploration elements.
4. Shovel Knight - a platformer game with a pixelated art style reminiscent of classic 8-bit games.
5. Celeste - a challenging platformer with simple pixel graphics that has received critical acclaim for its gameplay and story.

These are just a few examples of pixelated graphics games, but there are many others out there with unique styles and gameplay.

16-bit Graphics

In the mid-1980s, video game graphics improved significantly with the introduction of 16-bit consoles like the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). These consoles allowed for more detailed graphics with brighter colors and smoother animations. Games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario World are excellent examples of 16-bit graphics.

There were many popular video games that used 16-bit graphics during the 1990s. Here are some examples:

1. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
2. Super Mario World (1990)
3. Street Fighter II (1991)
4. Mortal Kombat (1992)
5. Donkey Kong Country (1994)
6. Earthworm Jim (1994)
7. Aladdin (1993)
8. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)
9. Mega Man X (1993)
10. Final Fantasy VI (1994)

3D Graphics

In the mid-1990s, video games entered a new era with the introduction of 3D graphics. Games like Doom and Quake were among the first to use 3D graphics, which allowed for more complex environments and more realistic characters. The introduction of 3D graphics also meant that games could be played from a first-person perspective, which added a new level of immersion. With the release of new and increasingly powerful video game consoles, it's not hard for even casual fans to see a massive jump in graphics quality. But where does this massive increase come from? And what does it tell us about how we experience games today? In a new book from MIT Press, author Michael Mateas describes how we've gone from pixelated graphics in basic arcade games to photo-realistic 3D environments."

There are many 3D graphics games available, some of the most popular ones include:

1. Fortnite
2. Minecraft
3. Grand Theft Auto V
4. Red Dead Redemption 2
5. Assassin's Creed Valhalla
6. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
7. Cyberpunk 2077
8. Resident Evil Village
9. Horizon Zero Dawn
10. Battlefield V

These are just a few examples, there are many more 3D graphics games available across a variety of platforms, including PC, console, and mobile devices.

HD Graphics

In the mid-2000s, high-definition (HD) graphics became the new standard for video games. HD graphics offered higher resolution, sharper images, and more detailed textures. Games like Grand Theft Auto IV and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune pushed the boundaries of what was possible with HD graphics.

There are many HD graphics games available for various platforms. Here are some popular ones:

1. Grand Theft Auto V
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
3. Assassin's Creed Odyssey
4. Doom Eternal
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
6. Red Dead Redemption
7. Horizon Zero Dawn
8. Control
9. Resident Evil 2
10. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

These games are known for their stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, and they are sure to provide a great gaming experience for those who have systems that support high-definition graphics. However, it's important to note that the system requirements for these games can be quite demanding, so it's important to ensure that your computer or console meets the necessary specifications before attempting to play them.

Photorealistic Graphics

Today, video games are capable of producing photorealistic graphics that can be hard to distinguish from real-life images. Games like The Last of Us Part II and Red Dead Redemption 2 have set a new standard for photorealistic graphics in video games. These games use advanced techniques like motion capture and photogrammetry to create characters and environments that look and feel like they are part of the real world.

There are many photorealistic graphics games available, but here are some popular examples:

1. Cyberpunk 2077 - an open-world action-adventure game set in a futuristic city, featuring highly-detailed environments and character models.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 - a western-themed action-adventure game with incredibly detailed environments and realistic character animations.
3. The Last of Us Part II - a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game with stunningly realistic character models and environments.
4. Assassin's Creed Valhalla - an action-adventure game set in the Viking Age, with highly detailed landscapes and buildings.
5. Death Stranding - an action game with an incredibly realistic landscape and character models.

These games are just a few examples of photorealistic graphics games, but there are many others available with impressive graphics and immersive gameplay

Conclusion

The evolution of video game graphics has been a remarkable journey. From pixelated graphics to photorealistic graphics, video games have come a long way. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more breathtaking graphics in the future.