Pixel Games

Pixel games represent a bygone era of video games. Nowadays, we are used to high-quality, realistic graphics in all of the games we play. It can be easy to forget that today’s realism and impressive technology are relatively recent developments.

While some developers still choose to utilize pixelated graphics as a stylistic choice, pixel games are usually quite rare. When gaming was first coming into the mainstream, pixel games were all that technology allowed for. If you would like to step back into gaming history, you’ll love the GamePix library of online pixel games! And you’ll find plenty of brand-new titles in our collection too!

Many developers still recognize the charming simplicity of pixel games. As a result, there are still new pixel games being released that blend fresh, contemporary ideas with a nostalgic art style. With this huge selection of online pixel games, you’ll find hours of retro fun!

Pixels Past and Present

Gaming entered the mainstream in the early 1980s. Due to the technological limitations of the time, the only games that were available to play were pixel games. These titles were usually platformers or early forms of fighting games. Basic hardware and early technology aside, these early pixel games proved themselves to be charming and timeless. Developers had to work hard to inject color and life into these games, and this resulted in many of these early titles growing into franchises that endure to this day.

Gaming giants such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda had humble beginnings in the 1980s. However, their impact was huge and is still being felt in the modern era. It’s also important to note that gamers of the time were fascinated with pixel games, because of what they represented. The idea of controlling the action on the screen was completely mind-blowing. It’s because of this that pixel games have remained so popular. Developers and gamers alike saw the potential of pixel games at the height of their popularity. These games still provide hours of fun today!

Humble Beginnings

While pixel games on home consoles only came about in the 1980s, they can be traced back further than that. In the 1970s, the likes of Pac-Man and Space Invaders were iconic arcade titles. The fact that these pixel games could not yet be played in the home did nothing to stop their popularity from exploding. These titles would go on to become some of the most famous games of all time.

At this early stage, pixel games weren’t typically platformers, as was common in the 1980s. Many of the first arcade titles were incredibly simplistic, but endlessly fun. For example, Space Invaders is a fixed shooter where players must fight off waves of alien spaceships. In Pac-Man, players must eat as many pellets as they can, while avoiding the hungry ghosts. The more pellets Pac-Man eats, the higher the overall score.

Though technology moved on quickly, many gamers still remember these initial titles fondly. Plenty of fun can still be had from returning to the games of the past!

Return of the Pixel

As home consoles became the new norm for gaming, the popularity of arcades slowly died out over the following decades. At the same time, pixel games began to develop into something more complex. Higher pixel counts and increasingly complicated control schemes meant that gaming was beginning to move on. However, many players never quite let go of their gaming roots.

In the 2000s, pixel games shot into the mainstream once again. A combination of nostalgia and fresh ideas brought the genre into the modern era. Older generations returned to the titles they grew up with and found them to be just as fun as they remembered! Meanwhile, younger generations were discovering pixel games for the first time. This new generation realized that pixel games were straightforward, fun and fiendishly addictive. The pixel games craze hasn’t died down since, with games both old and new continuing to be played—and enjoyed—to this day.

8-Bit vs. Realism

With today’s hyper-realistic graphics, it can be easy to dismiss the merits of pixel games. Triple-A titles are always breaking new ground when it comes to beautiful and lifelike graphics, which means that pixel games often fall by the wayside.

However, many fantastic indie titles have used pixelated graphics to great success in recent years. A prime example is 2014’s Shovel Knight, an action platform game with pixelated graphics. The game featured intuitive controls, a whole host of magical powers and an immersive classical fantasy story. Shovel Knight proved that pixel games were being modernized, and the 2015 RPG Undertale was another pixelated contemporary classic. Initially developed with funds from a Kickstarter campaign, Undertale has gone on to secure its place in the pixel games pantheon, and is often listed among the greatest games of all time.

The continued popularity of pixel games has shown that realistic graphics are not essential. Even compared to Triple-A titles, pixel games can provide an equally fun and immersive gameplay experience. And here’s the good news—you’ll find plenty of exciting and action-packed titles right here in the GamePix pixel games collection!

Endless Pixelated Fun

We’ve chosen a huge selection of online pixel games from many different genres for you to experience and enjoy! From tried-and-true classics to modern titles that capture the charm of decades past, there’s always something for everyone here at GamePix.

If you’re looking to play a classic pixel game, you’ll find a range of colorful platformers waiting for you. Our collection of pixel platform games ranges from retro to modern. Each pixelated platformer is characterized by its simple premise and easy-to-learn controls. This means it won't be long until you're clearing obstacles like a pro!

Alongside these classic titles you will also find sandbox games in the vein of Minecraft and Terraria. In these pixel games, you’ll explore a beautiful blocky world at your own pace. In these sandbox pixel games, you’ll be:

building impressive structures.
fighting fearsome foes.
surviving the harsh terrain!

Regardless of your genre preference, you’re bound to find your new favorite pixel game right here at GamePix!

Pixel Fun at GamePix

The GamePix library of online pixel games is available for you to play right now! As if that weren’t enough, all of our pixel games are completely free-to-play! You’ll be able to dive into an 8-bit world whenever you like and wherever you are, as all of our online games are available to play on any device and any browser. You can discover the simple but addictive fun of pixel games today!

FAQs

Are pixel games free?

Yes! Every pixel game at GamePix is totally free to play, so you can explore 2D worlds whenever you would like to.

Why are pixel games so popular?

Pixel games represent the very beginning of gaming as a whole. As a result, they have kept their iconic status among newer gamers and nostalgia lovers alike. Players love the simple control schemes and colorful fun of pixel games most of all. Whether you’re looking to relive famous classics or try your hand at a new wave of pixel games, GamePix will have exactly what you’re looking for.