2D Game Development

Principles for 2D game systems.

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1. Sprite Systems

Sprite Organization

Component	Purpose
Atlas	Combine textures, reduce draw calls
Animation	Frame sequences
Pivot	Rotation/scale origin
Layering	Z-order control

Animation Principles

• Frame rate: 8-24 FPS typical
• Squash and stretch for impact
• Anticipation before action
• Follow-through after action

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2. Tilemap Design

Tile Considerations

Factor	Recommendation
Size	16x16, 32x32, 64x64
Auto-tiling	Use for terrain
Collision	Simplified shapes

Layers

Layer	Content
Background	Non-interactive scenery
Terrain	Walkable ground
Props	Interactive objects
Foreground	Parallax overlay

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3. 2D Physics

Collision Shapes

Shape	Use Case
Box	Rectangular objects
Circle	Balls, rounded
Capsule	Characters
Polygon	Complex shapes

Physics Considerations

• Pixel-perfect vs physics-based
• Fixed timestep for consistency
• Layers for filtering

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4. Camera Systems

Camera Types

Type	Use
Follow	Track player
Look-ahead	Anticipate movement
Multi-target	Two-player
Room-based	Metroidvania

Screen Shake

• Short duration (50-200ms)
• Diminishing intensity
• Use sparingly

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5. Genre Patterns

Platformer

• Coyote time (leniency after edge)
• Jump buffering
• Variable jump height

Top-down

• 8-directional or free movement
• Aim-based or auto-aim
• Consider rotation or not

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6. Anti-Patterns

❌ Don't	✅ Do
Separate textures	Use atlases
Complex collision shapes	Simplified collision
Jittery camera	Smooth following
Pixel-perfect on physics	Choose one approach

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Remember: 2D is about clarity. Every pixel should communicate.