The rise of voxel technology has revolutionized the gaming industry. These tiny 3D cubes have become the fundamental building blocks of modern voxel-based games, offering innovative solutions to game design. As developers embrace voxels, they unlock a captivating world of immersive gameplay experiences that push the boundaries of gaming as we know it.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of voxels, exploring what they are, and how they work, and examining a classic example of a voxel-based game – Voxel Tycoon.
What are voxels?
In computer graphics, a voxel is like a 3D version of a pixel. It’s the tiniest cube you can see in a 3D image. Imagine the blocks in Minecraft’s world – each block is a voxel. For example, in the picture, you can see a lion made from different colored voxels.
Unlike traditional shapes, voxels are placed based on how they relate to each other, not specific coordinates. This feature makes them perfect for creating complex objects without repetitive patterns, giving artists and designers more freedom to be creative in 3D design.
Each voxel has information about its position and properties within 3D space. These voxels can be thought of as the building blocks that make up the virtual world of the game. Voxels allow for a more detailed representation of objects and terrain, as opposed to the traditional polygons used in most games.
How do voxels work?
Voxels work by creating a grid-like structure that divides the virtual world into smaller, identical cubes. Each tone carries information about its characteristics, such as color, transparency, material type, and even dynamic properties. By assembling these voices, game developers can create complex and detailed environments, making voice-based games distinctive for their level of detail and versatility.
How Voxels Are designed
Voxels are designed using specialized voxel editors, which are software tools specifically designed for creating and manipulating voxel-based assets. These editors allow game developers and designers to easily create complex 3D voxel models and environments. A popular example of a voxel editor is “magic voxel“.
MagicVoxel is a free and intuitive voice editing software developed by artist and programmer Eftracy. It has gained wide popularity due to its user-friendly interface and powerful features. With MagicVoxel, designers can create detailed voxel models by carving out individual cubes, adjusting colors, and even adding dynamic properties such as transparency or animation. The editor provides a versatile set of tools that empower artists to effortlessly bring their imaginative vocal creations to life.
Besides MagicVoxel, there are other voxel editors on the market, which cater to the different needs and preferences of game developers and artists. These tools are instrumental in streamlining the voxel design process and contribute significantly to the success of voxel-based games.
Example of Voxel Tycoon Game
Voxel Tycoon is an exemplary game that showcases the power and potential of voxels in gaming. Developed by a dedicated team of indie developers, the game combines the elements of Business Simulation, Transportation and Logistics to create an engaging and visually enjoyable experience.
Set in a procedurally generated world, Voxel Tycoon puts players in the shoes of a transportation mogul with aspirations of building a vast industrial empire. The game’s voxel-based graphics offer an engaging isometric perspective, inviting players to delve into the world of building and managing transportation networks, setting up production chains, and resource management.
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