Color evolution in computer games

The main color function in computer games is to simplify objects identification by player. We easily define virtual apples because they are also red or green as in real world. In games color has other functions as in art, design and movies. Let's take a look how the color elevated in games, the factors of change and how it influenced the games themselves.

Color and game mechanics

Initially games were completely black and white, for example Spacewar (1962). Limited technological solutions and hardware of those years simply was not designed for computer games. However, even existing hardware was enough to run simple games.

After a while, with the advent of more advanced technologies and mass distribution of color TVs, color appeared in games. For example, Galaxian (1978), which used RGB colors.

Since than color has been used not only to identify items, but also became one of the core elements of in game mechanics. For example, puzzle and casual games.

The development of technologies allowed new devices to display more and more colors, and the color palette in games expanded accordingly. By late 80’s 4th generation game consoles could easily display more than 256 colors. Of course, devices that can reproduce the entire visible spectrum still do not exist, but technologies are confidently moves towards this target. 

Some projects are starting to use more shades of primary colors to expand color spectrum. This is a simple way to get a character or an object of a different color by outputting the same sprite (graphic object) just with a slightly different palette.

Everything changes with the appearance of the first, really three-dimensional, first person shooters — colors become more realistic. Color started to be used not only to identify in game items, but also to define friendly and enemy characters. For example, your team mates are highlighted as green and enemies as red, respectively.

This color scheme helps the player to understand what to do: whom to shoot, where to go and what items to collect.

01:58
5961