What gives life to a game? It’s the graphics of it, the characters, the game theme, and of course, the colors. But have you ever thought of the backstory of these games? It’s the raster and vector who are responsible for creating the captivating graphics of the game. These two graphics are so good in their own way that entrepreneurs and designers hold a debate between raster vs vector graphics.
This blog will clear all your doubts on raster vs vector by providing you with the key differences and similarities between these two graphical image formats. But let’s first start with each of them.
Commonly known as bitmap graphics, these are the pixel-based graphics where every individual pixel contains color information, and by combining all these pixels, you can form one complete image. And it can be used in your game to gain the traction of your players. You can explore various advantages of raster images for gaming
Characteristics of Raster Graphics
Below are the key characteristics of Raster Graphics, which will help you to know how Raster graphics work in video game level design.
Pixel-Based
The images are divided into individual pixels.
Every individual has their own value to create a whole image.
Redsolution
The quality of the image depends on resolution, that is, PPI (pixels per inch)
After zooming a raster image, there is are chance of becoming blurry
File Size
The high-quality images contain more pixels, which results in a large file size
Examples of Raster Graphics
Digital photographs
Scanned images
Web graphics and icons
Digital paintings
Role of Raster Graphics in Game Development
Raster graphics in game design play an important part. As with the raster, the developers can create high–resolution 3D character models to make a title more attractive for the players. These images bring realism, depth, and emotion to the digital environment, and with this, the players can connect more with the game.
Realistic Visual Through Raster Graphics
Raster graphics in game design provide precise, real imagery that meets the players’ expectations.
Other than details in the image, the raster-based images add richness and emotional connection through handcrafted textures by the game designers.
The game development companies choose raster graphics for complex cinematic scenes and realistic 3D surfaces where visuals are more important.
There has always been a debate between raster vs vector in game development among the developers that which one is the best.
Explore some of the Common Raster File Formats
Format
Description
JPEG (.jpg)
Compressed format for photos; small file size, some quality loss
PNG (.png)
Lossless compression supports transparency
GIF (.gif)
Supports simple animations, limited to 256 colors
BMP (.bmp)
Uncompressed bitmap format
TIFF (.tif)
High-quality images used in printing and professional photography
PSD (.psd)
Adobe Photoshop’s native layered format
How are Vector Graphics Defined?
With the help of mathematical equations and geometric shapes like points, lines, and curves, rather than pixels. In vector-based images, there is no chance of getting any image blur. In-game development, this makes vector graphics perfect for the assets that need to maintain a high-quality graphic on different screen sizes and resolutions.
Characteristics of Vector Graphics
Mathematical Structure
Instead of pixels, the vector-based images are formula-based.
Each shape can be scaled freely while retaining its crispness and detail.
Resolution Independent
As compared to raster graphics, the vector-based images do not get blurry.
This makes vector-based images ideal for high-resolution screens, UI elements, and mobile interfaces.
Lightweight and Scalable
Vector files are lightweight and are smaller in size, which improves loading times and overall raster vs vector performance in games.
They are specifically used for animations and dynamic assets in 2D games.
Examples of Vector Graphics
Game icons and UI elements (menus, buttons, health bars, etc.)
Logos and branding assets (studio logos, loading screens, title cards)
2D animated characters and sprites (created in Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape)
Scalable game maps and environments (used in strategy or educational games)
Typography and text-based assets (fonts, stylized lettering in games)
What is the Use of Vector Graphics in Game Development?
In modern game development, vector graphics are one that provides perfect images as per the client’s requirement. These are useful especially in projects like scalability, performance, and visual clarity. The vector-based graphics are best for 2D games, mobile platforms, and user interface (UI) design.
Improving Visual Clarity in Game Interface
A game development company generally uses vector graphics for clean and scalable UI elements like menus, buttons, and icons.
These assets look aesthetic to all screen sizes, from large monitors to small mobile displays.
In-game development process vectors are preferred for interface elements because they ensure consistent quality regardless of resolution.
These graphics are specifically used in mobile games to improve readability and loading times without sacrificing performance.
Efficiency in Game Asset Production
Comparing game assets raster vs vector, vector files are smaller and easier to modify.
In the vector, the developers can easily adjust shapes, colors, and game effects without re-rendering the entire asset, which saves time and memory.
All these features make them a go-to choice for HUDs, animated icons, and motion graphics where real-time adjustments are frequent.
Animation and Motion Design
The vector-based animations are smoother, lightweight, and resolution.
Vectors allow for procedural animations, transitions, and scalable effects without increasing texture memory.
Specially used for mobile and 2D games where smooth motion and performance efficiency are critical.
Vector File Formats You Should Know
Format
Description
SVG (.svg)
Scalable Vector Graphics: lightweight and resolution-independent; ideal for UI, icons, and mobile games. Considered one of the best formats for vector graphics (SVG, EPS).
EPS (.eps)
Encapsulated PostScript: professional, print-ready format that preserves vector data for logos and export.
AI (.ai)
Adobe Illustrator’s native format is used for creating detailed, layered vector graphics in game design.
PDF (.pdf)
Portable Document Format: supports both raster and vector data; used for sharing game art and interface assets.
CDR (.cdr)
CorelDRAW format used for clean, scalable shapes and text-based Raster vs Vector Graphics projects.
What is the Basic Difference Between Raster VS Vector Graphics
Both of these graphics are different, but still hold a strong value in the game development process. If you are an entrepreneur and are planning to create valuable games for your players, then you must take a look at this difference.
Feature
Raster Graphics
Vector Graphics
Definition
Pixel-based images are built from a grid of colored dots.
Graphics created using mathematical paths, shapes, and lines.
Scalability
Quality decreases when resized, known as scaling raster images, loss vs vector.
It can be scaled infinitely with no loss in sharpness or clarity.
Resolution
Resolution-dependent, quality tied to pixel density.
Resolution-independent, always crisp on any screen or device.
Detail & Style
Best for photo-realistic textures, shading, and complex details.
Best for clean, simple, and stylized visuals like icons or 2D art.
Editing Flexibility
Limited; repeated editing may cause quality loss.
Highly editable; shapes and colors can be changed easily.
Performance in Games
Heavy on memory but adds realism, ideal for textures and backgrounds.
Lightweight and efficient, perfect for UIs, HUDs, and scalable 2D assets.
When to Use
Use for detailed art, photos, or realistic raster graphics in game design.
Use for scalable assets, animations, and interfaces, knowing when to use vector graphics ensures smooth performance.
Advantages
Deep realism and texture, key advantages of raster images for gaming/graphics.
Flexible, fast-loading, and adaptable, it fits all resolutions and devices.
File Formats
JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PSD.
Common and best formats for vector graphics (SVG, EPS, AI, PDF.
Game Development Use
Used in 3D textures, environments, and realistic scenes.
Used for 2D animation, icons, UI design, and mobile game assets.
List of Trending Games That Use Raster and Vector Graphics
Some of the entrepreneurs use vector and some use raster; the core uses the graphics that suit your game type. Here is the list of games that use these graphics to gain traction among fierce gamers.
Games that Use Raster Graphics
Call of Duty
One of the great examples of raster graphics in game design is Call of Duty. A well-known game for its hyper-realistic environment and detailed character textures. The lighting of the game relies on pixel-based rendering for a real feel.
Engine Used: IW Engine
Game Type: 3D Shooter
Art Style: Realistic / Cinematic
Platform: PC, Console
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
It is a very famous RPG game with various advantages of raster images for gaming/ graphics through a high-resolution gamign environment and intricate character details. Raster rendering brings emotional depth and visual storytelling to life.
Engine Used: REDengine 3
Game Type: 3D RPG
Art Style: Realistic Fantasy
Platform: PC, Console, Switch
Cyberpunk 2077
It’s an open-world RPG game that is known to use raster graphics in game design. The game’s neon-lit streets, lifelike textures, and reflective surfaces create a cinematic experience powered by high-resolution raster rendering. Each and every detail, from the skintones of characters to the holographic lights, demonstrates the advantages of raster images for gaming/graphics, providing depth, realism, and atmosphere.
Engine Used: REDengine 4
Game Type: 3D RPG
Art Style: Futuristic / Sci-Fi
Platform: PC, Console
Games that Use Vector Graphics
Geometry Dash
As the name suggests, the shapes of the game characters are so sharp and clean, and also include vibrant colors through vector graphics. The best part about this game is that its visuals of the game stay clear on all screen sizes, showing raster vs vector performance in games.
Engine Used: Cocos2d
Game Type: 2D Platformer
Art Style: Minimal / Geometric
Platform: Mobile, PC
Altos Adventure
It is a 2D game where the players snowboard across serene mountain landscapes while rescuing llamas and performing tricks. This game is designed totally using vector graphics, specifically for mobile games. It delivers smooth animation, fluid physics, and crisp visuals that don’t fade on all screen sizes.
Engine Used: Unity
Game Type: 2D Endless Runner
Art Style: Minimalist / Atmospheric
Platform: Mobile, PC
Mini Metro
It is a strategic game where the players design and manage an expanding subway system for a growing city. Using vectors in game design provides sleek lines, geometric shapes, and fluid animation that stay perfectly sharp at any resolution.
What Do Game Artists Prefer: Raster Art or Vector Art?
Indie developers often use both 2D raster and vector graphics to build creative games. Raster visuals stand out for realistic lighting, shading, and color depth — key advantages of raster images for gaming/graphics. However, the raster vs vector graphics difference lies in scalability and clarity. Understanding when to use vector graphics and the best formats for vector graphics (SVG, EPS) ensures optimal performance, especially since scaling raster images loss vs vector can affect quality.
“Raster graphics are more realistic while vector art is more cartoonish.”
Vector game art has its own fan base. It is a specific graphics type usually consisting of geometric primitives. However, it’s not that vector graphics are only found in old games. Modern-day vector art games also exist.
For example, the Cyber Shadow video game, released in 2021, is a perfect example of a modern game created in the spirit of classic 8-bit side-scrolling action games from the late ’80s and early ’90s. The pixel art visuals and fast-paced gameplay take us back to the era of games like Ninja Gaiden and Shatterhand. However, despite its retro appeal, Cyber Shadow has modern design elements, such as more fluid controls and tighter combat mechanics, enhancing the experience while preserving the nostalgic feel. The developers successfully revived the look and feel of that time, combining it with modern-day innovations to appeal to both old-school and new players.
How Can BR Softech Help You Design Your Dream Game?
BR Softech is a pioneer in game designing, and when choosing or comparing between raster vs vector graphics differences, this company is capable of integrating both of these graphics into your game. From simple to complex games, each one is designed according to the client’s requirements. If you are an entrepreneur or a startup looking forward to designing a game using raster and vector graphics, then BR Softech is the most recommendedgame development company. As it provides:
Dedicated UI/UX & Character Design
Cross-Platform (PC / Mobile / Console) Support
AR / VR / MR Game Capabilities
Blockchain / Web3 / NFT Integration
Multiple Game Genres (Hyper-casual, Casino, Card, Board, etc.)
Ongoing Support & Maintenance 24/7
Transparent & Agile Development Process
Secure Payment & Monetization Tools
Multiple Revisions & Customization
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I mix raster and vector graphics in one game?
Ans. Yes, most developers combine both. Raster is used for textures and realism, while vector handles UI, logos, and scalable assets for better performance.
Q. How do raster and vector graphics affect game development costs?
Ans. The choice of graphics can impact both production time and budget. Raster graphics require more memory and processing power, which may increase costs for high-resolution textures and 3D scenes. Vector graphics are smaller, lightweight, and easier to edit, reducing time and cost for scalable 2D assets and mobile games, making them a more budget-friendly option for startups and indie developers.
Q. How do raster and vector graphics impact game development ROI?
Ans. The choice of graphics affects both production cost and long-term return. Raster graphics provide realistic visuals that can attract players to premium or AAA titles, potentially increasing revenue. Vector graphics reduce file size and speed up development, allowing faster releases and scalability, which can lower costs and improve ROI for mobile and casual games.
Q. Which graphics format provides better asset longevity and scalability?
Ans. Vector assets in best formats (SVG, EPS, AI, PDF) maintain quality regardless of size or resolution, ensuring longevity and adaptability for future platforms or screen sizes. Raster graphics, while realistic, may require multiple resolutions for different devices, increasing storage needs and potential rework costs.
Q. How do raster and vector graphics affect game performance?
Ans. Raster graphics provide realistic textures and detailed visuals but require more memory and processing power, which can slow down game performance. Vector graphics are lightweight, scalable, and load faster, making them ideal for UI, 2D games, and mobile platforms. Combining both types ensures visually rich games without compromising speed or responsiveness.
Nitin Garg is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and the visionary founder of BR Softech, a globally recognized leader in game development. With over 13 years of industry experience, he has been instrumental in transforming BR Softech into a powerhouse of innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions in Video Games, Blockchain Games, NFT Game Development, and card games like Poker, Rummy, and Teen Patti.
Nitin’s deep expertise in emerging technologies, combined with a sharp business acumen, has helped position BR Softech as a trusted name in the international gaming arena. Under his leadership, BR Softech has built a global clientele of 3,000+ satisfied customers and scaled a dedicated in-house team of 180+ skilled professionals.
