What is a Sprite?

One of the main themes of BtP is Sprites; but what you ask, are they? Well, there are lots of different definitions of the word Sprite. When you hear the word Sprite you probably either think of Soda or weird pixies. (Hey! LISTEN!) The definition I'm talking about is completely different obviously so please eliminate those thoughts of Soda crazed Faries before reading this k?

Sprites are images created purely with the use of pixels in a Pixel by Pixel program. (e.g. Microsoft Paint)

So other graphics created by non pixel by pixel programs (e.g. Adobe Photoshop) aren't considered sprites.

If you're a gamer you've most likely been dealing with Sprites your entire career without even being aware of it.

To dumb things down a bit, this is an example of a Video Game Sprite:

The classic image of Luigi above is a Video Game Sprite.

There are 3 ways to tell if something is a sprite or if it isn't:

1. All sprites are made with pixels in which you can clearly see

2. Sprite's usually don't have 3D renders.

(with the exception of early 3D)

3. Sprites are always made and can also be recreated on a simple Pixel by Pixel program.

The image of Luigi above passes all 3 of the rules of a Sprite therfor it passes as a Sprite.

1. You can see and define the pixels.

2. It isn't in a 3rd Demension

3. It can be re-created in a simple Pixel by Pixel Program, or edited.

This image of Luigi is not a sprite:

1. You can't define the seperate pixels by the naked eye

2. It is a 3D render

3. It can not be recreated in a simple Pixel by Pixel program.

That's all the basics of what a Sprite is. If your interested further in the subject of how modifying and creating your own sprites works, feel free to keep on reading I'll be suprised if anyone makes it past the first paragraph! : O

What is Spriting?

Now that you know about what a Sprite is, it's time to further explore the world of Sprites.

Basically Spriting is the art of creating your own sprites. People who "Sprite" are called Spriters.

Spriters have a community, and a way of going about things like most forums and websites are run. One thing I've found is there really is no system of ranking between Spriters. The only way to know if someone is a good Spriter is to see some of there work.

There are different types of Sprites Spriters sprite. (OMFG tounge twister!!!1)

Actually, I divide them into 3 major groups.

Ripped Sprites

Sprites taken straight out of a video game for use in things like Flash Games/Movies, Sprite Comics and base sprites for Editing.

Ripping sprites doesn't give Spriters the same respect as making a well done Custom Sprite, but they are given some form of gratitude.

Example:

Edited Sprites

Edited Sprites are usually just mix matched Ripped Sprites although there are several sub groups of this kind of Spriting since it is so vast and can vary in style and quality. I'll list the main ones.

-Butchered Sprites-

People take parts off one Ripped sprite and stick them onto another ripped sprite and try to make it look good. This often fails and turns into a horrible mess. Butchered Sprites are the 2nd to worst kind of Sprite there is and if you make Butchered Sprites in the presence of fellow spriters they will think very lowly of your spriting status.

Example:

-Fusion Sprites (aka Modified Sprites)-

The best kind of edited Sprite you can make. To make a fusion sprite use only 1 or 2 ripped bases only slightly exchange a few peices and add custom peices on it and change it's color scheme a bit. When your done with your fusion you should hardly e able to tell what the bases were that were used.

Example:

The base was Megaman! Could you tell?

-Recolors-

The worst most disrespicted most hated type of Sprite by Spriters all over the world. A recolor consists of changing the color scheme of a ripped sprite...thats it. I hope all recolors burn in hell, personally. 0_o

No examples, and believe me thats a good thing.

Custom Sprites

The last but certainly not least of the types of Spriting I'll cover. Custom sprites are created purely by hand (or should I say mouse?) with no base whatsoever. In the Spriting community the highest respects go to those who Sprite Custom.

Example:

There is one last thing I have to say about Spriting before I pack up and it is Sprites are usually created in seperate frames so that once its put in an Animation program your sprite can actually have an animation like it would in a video game.

You'll see what I mean after looking at the example. Sprite animation frames are known to Spriters as Sprite Sheets or just Sheets for short.

Example

Conclusion

Knowing all of this will help you understand Spriters and how we operate it will not tell you how to Sprite however. Spriting is a skill picked up from practicing and teaching yourself how to do it.

There are some tutorials out there, but I find it easier learning it your own way at your own pace if you're interested in Spriting.

I can answer any questions you have concerning the topic if you Email me: kwdzero@gmail.com

Also, if you really read through this entire thing you deserve a prize. Seriously, this is damn long.

Email me or PM me through the forum the following code to get an awesome prize for putting up with this...lol

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