Sprites

Sprites: Bringing Your Own Art Into Unity

In this video, you transform your endless jumper from a gray prototype into a real game by adding 2D art (sprites) for the player, platforms, and background.

From Prototype to Game World

• We return to our endless jumper project and replace the default placeholder sprite;
• This is where you decide the identity of your game:
  • Who is the player character?
  • What kind of world are they in?
• Your visuals don’t need to be perfect, simple drawings work great for learning.

What Is a Sprite?

• A sprite is a 2D image used in a game (characters, platforms, backgrounds);
• Sprites must have a transparent background, so they blend naturally into the scene;
• Because of this, sprites are usually saved as .png files.

Adding Existing Images as Sprites

• You can find ready-made sprites online (e.g. Google Images);
• When searching, include “png” and make sure the background is transparent;
• Save the image as a .png, drag it into your Sprites folder, then into the scene.

Creating Your Own Sprites

• You can draw your own sprites using tools like Photopea or Piskel;
• You could also edit an existing image to add character to it;
• Export your drawings as .png files with transparency.

Platforms and Environment Art

• Platforms are also sprites and can be anything: bubbles, rocks, clouds, etc;
• You can add a floor platform if you want, but it’s optional.

Adding a Background

• Backgrounds are usually very far away and don't move independently.
• A simple approach:
  • Add a background sprite;
  • Make it a child of the Camera. Simply drag the background in the hierarchy onto the 'Main Camera';
• This ensures the background always stays visible as the camera moves.

Sprite Layering (Order in Layer)

• Sprites can overlap so Unity needs to know which one appears in front;
• You can control this using:
  • Z position (within Transform), or
  • Order in Layer (within Sprite Renderer)

A good rule of thumb:

• Background: Order in Layer = -1;
• Platforms: Order in Layer = 1;
• Player: Order in Layer = 2.

Even with simple art, your game will now start telling a story. At this stage, visuals help motivate the mechanics we'll build next.