What is Low Poly Character In Games?

Creating visually appealing characters while maintaining game performance is a balancing act. One key technique that game developers use to achieve this balance is the creation of low poly characters.

But what exactly is a low poly character, and why is it so important in games? This blog will explore these questions, diving deep into the concept of low poly characters, their role in game development, and how they shape the gaming experience.

We’ll break everything down in simple, easy-to-understand language, making this topic accessible to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned game developer or just someone curious about how games are made.

 

What Is a Low Poly Character?

 

Understanding Polygons in 3D Modeling

To understand what a low poly character is, we first need to grasp the concept of polygons in 3D modeling. In computer graphics, a polygon is a flat, two-dimensional shape made up of straight lines, and it is the basic building block of 3D models. Most commonly, these polygons are triangles because they are simple to work with and can easily be used to create complex shapes.

When you combine many polygons together, you can create the surface of a 3D object, like a character in a video game. The more polygons you use, the more detailed and smooth the character appears. This is referred to as having a high polygon count.

 

Defining Low Poly

A low poly character, as the name suggests, is a 3D model that uses a relatively small number of polygons. Instead of striving for high levels of detail, low poly characters are designed with simplicity in mind. The models are often more angular and less detailed than their high poly counterparts, but they still effectively convey the essential characteristics and personality of the character.

Low poly models are particularly popular in video games because they require less computational power to render. This is especially important in games where real-time performance is critical, such as in fast-paced action games or when running on devices with limited processing power, like mobile phones.

 

Historical Context: Why Low Poly?

The concept of low poly characters originated out of necessity during the early days of 3D gaming. In the 1990s and early 2000s, hardware limitations meant that game developers had to be very resource-conscious. To make sure games ran smoothly, developers created characters with fewer polygons, which allowed them to maintain high frame rates while still delivering engaging gameplay.

Today, even though hardware has become much more powerful, low poly characters are still used in many games. They are valued not only for their performance benefits but also for their unique aesthetic appeal.

 

The Role of Low Poly Characters in Games

 

Performance Optimization

One of the primary reasons developers use low poly characters is to optimize game performance. In a video game, every character, object, and environment must be rendered in real time as the player interacts with the game. The more polygons a model has, the more processing power is needed to render it, which can slow down the game.

By using low poly characters, developers can significantly reduce the workload on the game engine, ensuring smoother gameplay, especially in scenes with lots of action or in open-world environments where many objects need to be rendered simultaneously.

 

Artistic Style

Low poly characters aren’t just about performance; they also represent a distinct artistic style. This style is often characterized by its simplicity, with clear, bold shapes and a minimalist approach to detail. The low poly aesthetic has a charm of its own, evoking a sense of nostalgia for older games or providing a unique, stylized look that sets a game apart from more realistic or highly detailed counterparts.

Games like Monument Valley and Superhot have embraced the low poly style, using it to create visually striking and memorable experiences that stand out in the crowded gaming market.

 

Accessibility and Portability

Low poly characters also make games more accessible and portable. Because these characters require less processing power, games that use them can run on a wider range of devices, from high-end gaming PCs to budget smartphones. This means that more people can enjoy the game, regardless of the hardware they own.

In addition, lower polygon counts often mean smaller file sizes, which can be a crucial factor in ensuring that a game is quick to download and doesn’t take up too much storage space on a device. This is particularly important for mobile games, where storage capacity can be limited.

 

Creating Low Poly Characters

 

The Modeling Process

Creating a low poly character starts with the same basic steps as any other 3D model. The artist begins by blocking out the basic shape of the character using simple geometric forms, usually starting with a low number of polygons. As the model takes shape, the artist will carefully add detail where needed, but always with an eye on keeping the polygon count low.

One common technique used in low poly modeling is to use texture mapping to add details. Instead of modeling every tiny feature, like wrinkles or buttons, these details can be painted onto the surface of the model using textures. This allows the model to appear more detailed without increasing the polygon count.

 

Tools and Software

There are many tools available for creating low poly characters. Popular 3D modeling software like Blender, Maya, and 3ds Max all support low poly modeling techniques. These programs offer a range of features that make it easier to create low poly models, such as tools for optimizing mesh geometry and built-in texture painting capabilities.

For those new to 3D modeling, there are also more accessible tools specifically designed for creating low poly art. Tools like MagicaVoxel or Tinkercad are user-friendly and make it easy to get started with low poly modeling, even for beginners.

 

Best Practices

When creating low poly characters, it’s important to focus on the essential elements that define the character. This often means simplifying shapes and exaggerating key features, such as the eyes or silhouette, to make the character easily recognizable even with fewer details.

Another best practice is to consider the context in which the character will be seen. For example, if the character will mostly be viewed from a distance, it’s less important to include fine details that won’t be noticeable. Instead, focus on making the character’s overall shape and color scheme distinct and readable at a glance.

 

Examples of Low Poly Characters in Popular Games

 

Monument Valley

Monument Valley is a critically acclaimed mobile game that uses low poly art to create its surreal, Escher-like environments. The game’s characters, including the iconic protagonist Ida, are designed with simple, clean lines and flat shading, which perfectly complements the game’s puzzle-solving mechanics and dreamlike atmosphere.

Superhot

In Superhot, a first-person shooter with a unique time-manipulation mechanic, the low poly characters play a central role in the game’s aesthetic. The enemies are rendered in stark, angular shapes, which makes them stand out against the minimalist, white environments. This low poly style not only enhances the game’s visual identity but also supports the gameplay by making it easier for players to focus on the action.

Fortnite

While not exclusively a low poly game, Fortnite incorporates low poly elements in its character design and environments. The game’s cartoonish, exaggerated style benefits from the low poly approach, allowing it to run smoothly on a wide range of devices while still maintaining a bright, vibrant visual style that appeals to a broad audience.

 

The Future of Low Poly Characters

Evolving Technology

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for low poly characters are expanding. Modern game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity offer advanced rendering techniques that allow low poly models to look more detailed and realistic than ever before. Techniques like normal mapping and advanced lighting can be used to enhance the appearance of low poly models without increasing their polygon count.

The Continuing Appeal of Low Poly

Despite the advancements in technology, the appeal of low poly characters is unlikely to fade. Their efficiency, versatility, and unique aesthetic ensure that they will remain a staple in game design for years to come. Whether for mobile games, indie projects, or even in AAA titles, low poly characters offer a way to create engaging and visually distinct experiences that resonate with players.

Learning Low Poly Design

For aspiring game developers, mastering low poly design is a valuable skill. Not only does it teach the fundamentals of 3D modeling, but it also encourages a focus on efficiency and creativity. Those interested in game design can benefit greatly from learning how to create low poly characters, as it is a technique that can be applied across many different types of projects and platforms.

Conclusion

Low poly characters are a cornerstone of game design, offering a perfect blend of performance, accessibility, and artistic expression. They allow developers to create immersive worlds and engaging characters without compromising on game performance. Whether you’re a seasoned game developer, a student in an Animation & Digital Film Making Course, or simply a curious gamer, understanding low poly characters provides valuable insights into the art and science of game development. As you explore this fascinating field, you’ll discover that low poly characters are not just a technical necessity but also a powerful creative tool that continues to shape the gaming landscape.