8 Bit & '8 Bitish' Graphics-Outside the Box

In this GDC 2016 talk, Terrible Toybox's Mark Ferrari discusses and demonstrate some of his techniques for drawing 8 bit game graphics, including his celebrated methods for use of color cycling and pallet shifting to create complex and realistic background animation effects without frame-animation

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[Ghi]

Animations using palette cycling: mind-blown.
Day/night cycle using palette cycling: Mind melted

[GroggyGhoul]

It's amazing to have the privilege of an in-depth view of a master's process. He seems incredibly humble for someone who is undoubtedly an important figure in the development of artwork, media culture, and video games as we see them today. I'm so glad we live in a time where we can still have conversations with artists and creators that formed such a crucial part of our culture.

[danbull]

This was amazing, gave a whole new insight into the work and thought that goes into designing 8 Bit art.

[Voidsworn]

Those 8 bit animations of the waterfalls and such are AMAZING!

[christopherrobin]

No applauding? I'd be loosing my balls if I was watching this live haha. This is amazing.

[elliottkashner]

I’m not a visual artist, but watching this presentation was a delight. Always a special occasion to hear a master discuss their craft.

[allluckyseven]

This is awesome.
Thank you, GDC, for putting this up online!

And thanks to Mark for giving the talk that's so chockful of information!

[RevolutionaryOven]

I would pay five times my tuition if I could get art teachers as nice and factual as this guy.

[brianbagnall]

Mark's art is so atmospheric. I love the warmth and lived in feeling he brings to some of these scenes from Thimbleweed Park.

[BknMoonStudios]

My eyes can't believe what they're seeing.
This man has produced some of the most beautiful art in gaming I've ever seen.
Not just 8-bit, but in general. So much color and movement.
Creating environments like these in a 3D space would take unbelievable amounts of resources and wouldn't be as high quality.
Mark Ferrari is TRULY AN INSPIRATION for game artists. Thank you GDC for having him talk at the event.

[poseeley]

Holy shit, some of that 8-bit art from the slide show is just gorgeous. I'm focused on pixel art myself, and you just blew my mind, sir.

[mamurny]

Being 40 yo now, i played most of those games, and this guy is a genius.

[noiJadisCailleach]

51:40 - 59:57 Waterfall color cycling tutorial
38:18 Everythhing except the sky is 3-7 colors, whatever the structure is.
39:21 Sky is 16-32 colors max; Half the palette is used for color cycling FX

[jacksonarnold]

46:12 This was really inspirational, actually. One of the best presenters I've ever seen, even with the technical difficulties. Incredibly engaging, charismatic, and knowledgeable. I only wish I had teachers like this when I was in school

[Afaik]

It's so rare to see someone who's not only insanely talented but also a great speaker! It's such a pleasure to watch this talk.

[chatboss]

That pallette shifting is AMAZING - from trees to a cityscape by only changing the pallette? I'm sure it's basic, but still!

[nindorox]

13:50
That just completely blew my mind.

[dynpan]

I am continually impressed at how everyone who worked on Lucasfilm Games is just an amazing person and a joy to listen to. Probably the reason why their games were so amazing as well.

[xkai]

after paying attention for 40 minutes i was hooked. inspiration started flowing all over me. i just *sobs* love youtube.

[RUdigitized]

Student: I feel like we're watching a Master of his time!
Mark: WHERE???
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA