Summary
2D games used to dominate the world of video games, but it wasn’t long after that 3D games were slowly starting to flood the gaming world. 2D games are games with no depth and have pretty basic movement, meaning you can only see one side of the world. While 3D games incorporate height, width, as well as depth, making objects viewable from all sides.
It’s hard to decide whether 2D or 3D is better, but there are definitely some advantages and disadvantages to both styles and, of course, people will always have their own personal preferences. But here are a few arguments about whether 2D or 3D is better.
10Camera Tracking
Can The Camera Keep Up?
Camera tracking is how the camera follows your player and the environment. 2D games have a sliding background since the environment is flat, so the camera tracking can easily keep up with your character.
Whilst in 3D games, camera tracking can be a bit more touchy. Usually, you can spin in any direction meaning the camera can lag behind or struggle to keep up, which can make controlling your character harder and a bit more complicated.In the sense of camera tracking, 2D is better.
9Visual Immersion
How Realistic Is It?
There are certain elements to games that can make them more immersive, to make you feel like you are a part of the game. While 2D games can definitely create this feeling, since there is not always a lot of depth visually, it can feel like you are an onlooker.
3D games are usually more interactive with the player by allowing you to scan the environment, almost like you’re turning your own head to see your surroundings. It’s more life-like and realistic and provides a feeling of nearly being in the game.In the case of visual immersion, 3D wins.
8Game Development
How Complicated Can It Be?
When developing a game there is a lot to consider, such as whether your game will be 2D or 3D. 2D games will be cheaper and less complex to make. They can be quicker to create and will require fewer resources to run.
While 3D games are more complicated to design and more costly, usually the benefits are reaped. Theytake longer to create,but they also offer the opportunity to build a more complex game, which depending on whom the creator(s) are, can be exactly what the goal is.Meaning this category will end in a tie.
7Controls And Gameplay
How Easy Is It?
Controls are important to gameplay, and if a game has bad controls it can be hard to enjoy the game. Typically, 2D games haveeasier controlsthat tend to be on the basic side, since movements are typically limited to up, down, and sideways.
Not every 3D game has complicated controls, but there are usually a few more additional controls, such as looking around. These extra elements can make the gameplay more interesting and life-like, but it also creates more room for more error and trouble.Which makes 2D games the winner of this category.
6Cinematography
Will It Be Cinematic?
Cinematography is the art of capturing motion and everything that goes with it. 2D games are very dependent on artistry and typically do not have the beautiful cutscenes we get to see in 3D games, though there are a few exceptions.
3D games usually excel in cinematography, especially as of lately with the development of motion tracking. Actors are brought in to act out scenes and give literal life to characters versus having to draw in every detail.3D games will win the cinematography argument.
5Popularity
How Popular Could It Be?
It is important for games to perform well on the market as well as be liked by the buyers. 2D games can catch a bit of flack since they do tend to be on the simpler side, but 2D games such asStardew ValleyandUndertaleare extremely popular.
We see a lot of hype around the latest open-world amazingly animated games that are being released. Especially when they are 3D with great graphics. Both 2D and 3D games have continued to be popular upon release and years later,meaning we have another tie.
4Loading Speed
How Long Is This Going To Take?
A game’s loading time and running speed can be a dealbreaker for some people if they take too long. 2D games are typically smaller games, which means they will have shorter loading times, and they will run better on inexpensive PCs and laptops.
3D games are larger and will require more resources, which means if your PC isn’t up for the challenge, it can create long loading times, lagging, and can make the game hard to play.Which makes 2D better for loading speed.
3Exploration
Where Can We Go?
Some people play games for their environments and the beauty they can behold. 2D can be limited, but not entirely. There are still a lot of beautiful 2D games, but they aren’t exactly as open-world as 3D games are.
3D games, especially open-world games, typically offer a big environment to explore and roam. There’s more room for specific details and they are often more expansive than 2D games.In this category, 3D games are the winner.
2Nostalgia Factor
Do You Remember When?
Nostalgia has a way of worming itself into us and winning over our heart.Pixelated 2D gamesare usually what people think of, or at least 2D in general, when older or retro games are mentioned. While they would be right, there are also plenty of retro 3D games.
While there are a lot of old 2D games, there are also a bunch of older and nostalgic 3D games that maybe aren’t immediately thought of.So, in the case of nostalgia, it’s a tie. Nostalgic video games are very fluid, as new games grow old and may become nostalgic.
1So Who Won?
How Indecisive
While there is no winner in this article, both 2D and 3D games come with their own benefits, and it’s up to you to form your own opinion about them. Different people will enjoy different aspects of all sorts of games.
What’s important is that you find what you like and play games you enjoy. There are a lot of games out there with all sorts of art styles and diverse stories. Whether you are looking for a nostalgic game or a game with a modern feeling, it’s most likely out there waiting for you.
