3D Environment Design For 2D Pixel Art Game “Missing Melody”

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-603-1_15How to use a DOI?

Keywords

3D Environment; Pixel art; 2.5D game; retro style; unreal engine 5

Abstract

This study examines a 2.5D game development approach that integrates two-dimensional pixel art assets within a three-dimensional environment, implemented in the game Missing Melody, a psychological side-scrolling title developed using Unreal Engine 5. Because conventional 3D environments are not inherently compatible with the visual characteristics of 2D pixel art, the research explores design strategies and technical workflows to achieve stylistic cohesion between both asset types. The methodology combines experimental exploration—focused on identifying effective techniques for constructing 3D environments that preserve a pixel-art aesthetic—and applied research aimed at formulating practical design solutions. The production pipeline consists of three primary stages: 3D modeling and UV mapping using Blender, texturing with Substance Painter, and environmental layout assembly in Unreal Engine 5. To evaluate visual compatibility, an alpha test involving 18 respondents was conducted, assessing clarity, coherence, and overall user perception of the blended asset styles. The findings indicate that the 3D environment successfully supports and enhances the 2D pixel art elements, with most respondents affirming that the 3D backgrounds did not disrupt the visual experience. The majority also expressed that both asset types blended cohesively, although some noted minor inconsistencies in texture rendering. Overall, the study concludes that a carefully structured 3D environment can effectively complement 2D pixel art and strengthen visual integration in 2.5D game development.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Kresnandito Riko Pambudi
AU  - Tito Ari Pratama
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/04
TI  - 3D Environment Design For 2D Pixel Art Game “Missing Melody”
BT  - Proceedings of the International Moving Image Cultures Conference (IMOVICCON 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 179
EP  - 192
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-603-1_15
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-603-1_15
ID  - Pambudi2026
ER  -