Good looking characters, robust game servers, a gorgeous map and eye-catching graphics. These are some of the key factors to ensure that your video game goes viral and hits the bull’s-eye.

But if you want your game to truly stand out from all the others, then using tools such as graphic design software is a definite must.

Truth be told, game graphics should be visually appealing to gamers but also easy to understand and navigate. And they should be consistent with the overall tone and style of the game series. That is why deciding on the most appropriate tool for your gaming design needs is utterly important.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best graphic design software for game developers.

Best Graphic Design Tools for Gamers

Graphic design tools are used to create 3D maps, icons, card backs, UI elements and much more. Read on to find out which graphic design software are important for game designers and how they can be used to improve your gaming experience like never before!

1. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a popular graphic design software used by many professional designers for photo editing, creating textures, icons, and logos; adding effects such as blurs and highlights; and creating custom fonts. It has capabilities to create high-quality images and graphics.

Adobe Photoshop is an ideal choice for gamers who want to create high-quality graphics for their online gaming profiles or websites. It is also perfect for creating backgrounds, textures, character designs, 3D models and animations.

Adobe Photoshop is available as a stand-alone product or in an extended version called Creative Cloud. The extended version is more expensive, but offers features such as automatic updates and access to other Adobe programs. The software is relatively easy to use, although some users may find it more complex than other graphic design software.

2. Adobe Illustrator

If you want to make the most of your game design, then it is a good idea to use Adobe Illustrator. This software allows you to create vector graphics and allows for easy scaling, saving time and effort.

A few benefits of using this tool include the ease at which you can scale your work, create shapes with a single click and use professional-level features. It’s also worth mentioning that this application is compatible with some of your favorite video game development tools.

With these tools, you can easily transfer designs into layouts, fonts and video games. So whether you need it for designing card backs or icons, Adobe Illustrator will be able to help you out!

3. Inkscape

Inkscape is an open source drawing program that can be used for creating user interfaces, icons and graphics. It can also be used to create 3D models, from environments to characters.

It is used by game designers, artists, architects, and engineers alike. It can be used to create intricate designs and illustrations and is capable of exporting files in several different file formats including PDF, SVG, GIF, PNG, IMG, TIFF and BMP.

This software provides a quick mode for beginners who don’t have much time, as well as a smart preview option for experienced users. Inkscape offers 3D objects with support for the most common file formats including SVG, OBJ, STL and POV-Ray.

There are also in-built tools such as measure tool, network tool and editable shapes that are helpful when creating complex designs or animations. Its compatibility with key video game engines makes it an essential tool for any game developer in need of high quality graphics and maps.

In general, Inkscape can be difficult to use for beginners, but many professionals consider it one of the best free vector graphic design programs available .

4. Pixelied

Pixielied is a software application that provides developers with various toolsets to create graphics more efficiently.

It has a wide range of features that can help you make your games more productive.

Pixelied enables game designers to improve the look of their game characters, add text to an image, replace the background or just flip an image online.

With this online graphic editor, you can quickly make these changes without hours of work.

5. Krita

If you’re a game developer, then you should know that Krita is an open source digital painting program.

With its advanced features and easy to use interface, it is designed for professional artists and amateurs alike.

Krita comes with a wide range of presets that are perfect for designers and developers, such as various types of brushes and textures, image filters, layer masks, perspective tools and much more.

Best of all, It comes with plugins to make the process even easier!

If you want to create stunning visuals without needing access to a graphics card or other specialized software and hardware, Krita is your best friend. In fact, it has also been utilized by professional artists from NASA and Weta Digital.

6. GIMP

GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program which is a free image editor that can be used by both professional and amateur graphic designers.

It has capabilities to create high-quality graphics and images similar to those produced by Adobe Photoshop but it also has some unique features that make it great for game development such as the ability to edit photos with filters; export files in various formats including 3D models; work with multiple layers at once; import photos from Facebook, Flickr, or Instagram; and work with textured surfaces .

GIMP is available for download on Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 32bit or 64bit editions or MACOSX 10_13_5 64bit edition .

The software is relatively easy to use despite its complexity due to its user-friendly interface and numerous tutorials available online .

7. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphic design program that is used by professional graphic designers and artists.

It has a wide range of features that make it ideal for creating graphics for games, including the ability to create logos, icons, and illustrations; create custom shapes and textures; work with vectors; export files in various formats including 3D models; work with groups of layers; use lighting and shadows to create realistic effects; and more.

Affinity Designer is available for download on Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 32bit or 64bit editions or MACOSX 10_11_13 editions.

Like GIMP, Affinity Designer is relatively easy to use despite its complexity due to its user-friendly interface and numerous tutorials available online .

Final Thoughts

There you have them; some of the best graphic design tools for game design. Depending on your needs, some of these tools may be more suited than others, but all offer fantastic opportunities for creating professional graphics that will help your game development look their best.