DJC2 - Day 4 - Creating Video Games
What Are 8-Bit Video Games?
The retro style isn’t a technical limitation… it’s an aesthetic that defined an entire generation.
When we talk about 8-bit video games, we’re not just referring to “pixelated graphics.” We’re actually talking about the hardware capabilities, especially of classic consoles like the NES, which operated with 8-bit processors.
This directly affected:
- how much information the console could handle,
- how many colors it could display,
- what kinds of sounds it could reproduce,
- and how complex animations could be.
But these technical limitations created such a unique style that today it's used as an artistic choice, not out of necessity.
What made 8-bit special?
- Graphics built from large pixels, usually with limited palettes of 16 or 32 colors.
- Small but expressive sprites.
- Minimal animations, which forced artists to communicate more with less.
- Chip-tune sound, generated digitally in real time.
- Ingenious design, where every saved byte meant more space for creativity.
Simplified visual example
[ @ ] ← player sprite
[▓▓] ← level block
[░░] ← background
All built using simple tiles and limited colors.
Why is the 8-bit style still relevant?
Because it’s not just nostalgia. It’s a visual language with real advantages:
- It’s easy to read even on small screens.
- It allows small teams to produce complete games.
- It has a strong and recognizable artistic identity.
- It works perfectly with fast, precise gameplay.
- It’s ideal for prototypes and game jams.
That’s why so many modern games —like Shovel Knight or Celeste (PICO-8)— use retro aesthetics, but enhanced with modern capabilities.
In my current process, the 8-bit style helps me:
- iterate quickly on ideas,
- maintain a simple yet memorable visual style,
- and focus on gameplay without getting stuck creating complex artwork.
Versions
v0.1.0
- What are 8-bit video games?