Not exactly new, gradient texturing is an optimization technique suitable for stylized, cartoony, or low-poly art, especially mobile games. It’s not the most cost-effective choice for realism or semi-realism styles, as it relies on low-resolution texture maps and gradual color transitions, which help reduce the resource load on game engines without sacrificing visual quality.
By applying gradients to low-poly 3D models, it simulates effects like light, shadow, and depth, avoiding the need for high-resolution textures. This method optimizes load times, allows easy color palette adjustments, and is adaptable to various 3D models, making it ideal for reducing texture file sizes and improving memory usage.
Vicente Moscardó Ribes demonstrated the power of a simple trim texture on a 3D spaceship model based on Matias Hannecke‘s design, noting that this process is still quicker than traditional hand-painting. Overall, it would have taken 2-3 working days if done in one go, according to the artist.
To learn more about gradient texturing, you can check out the academic report on the technique by Vicente Moscardó Ribes here. See more of his works below and follow on X/Twitter for more amazing 3D art:
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