2D game development

Despite the popularity of 3D and VR/AR technologies, 2D games have remained relevant for decades. They are the choice of startups, major brands, publishers, and educational platforms. Because 2D game development is one of the fastest, most flexible, and most cost-effective segments in the game development market.

Want to test a gameplay idea, create an MVP without risking overspending, attract an audience through game mechanics, or simply quickly launch a mobile game from scratch? 2D technology is the ideal solution for each of these tasks. Custom 2D game development at Arionis ensures project predictability, launch speed, and visual responsiveness.

What are 2D games?

In 2D projects, gameplay and visual elements (including characters, objects, and the game environment) are displayed on a flat plane, along the X and Y axes, without simulating depth as is the case in 3D titles.

Key Features:

• flat space without volume;
• simple but expressive graphics:
• Key mechanics include linear movement, fixed camera angles, and side-scrolling.

2D projects maintain their popularity due to their versatility and clear structure. This ensures their stable place in the market, opening up broad opportunities for implementing ideas of any complexity.

Benefits of Custom 2D Game Development for Business

2D title creation is ideal for projects with limited budgets and tight deadlines – from mobile or advertising projects and branded interactive experiences to platformers and educational simulations. Key advantages include:

• Operational launch

Creating a 2D game is significantly faster and easier than a 3D one. The path to a successful release is faster thanks to the simplicity and speed of development – thanks to simplified architecture, physics, mechanics, and visuals. You can quickly get feedback and test mechanics and hypotheses without investing in a long, expensive project.

• Availability

2D game development costs are lower than 3D games, as modeling, animation, and rendering require significantly fewer resources. This significantly reduces budgets.

• Fast loading, light weight, versatility

2D titles are ideal for mobile, browser, and PC platforms, adapting well to different screen sizes. They have low system requirements, making them suitable for low-end PCs and mobile devices.

• Flexibility in style and mechanics

2D game creation in Unity and other engines is possible in a wide variety of styles (from pixel art to vector animation, hand-drawn designs, and high-tech interfaces) – the product is easily adapted to the brand and tastes of the target audience.

• High conversion

Due to their low entry barrier and simple, intuitive gameplay, 2D games effectively engage and retain audiences, especially in the mobile segment. For the same reasons, they are often used in gamification, interactive advertising, and onboarding—where quickly capturing attention and motivating action are crucial.

2D technology offers unlimited genre options: platformers, arcades, puzzles, clickers, casual and card games. You can create a simple retro game or a large-scale story-driven product with complex mechanics, depending on your goals. Additionally, launching an advertising title, branded interactive experiences for e-commerce, preparing an MVP for investor presentations, and other projects are all possible.

Stages of 2D game development

When you order 2D game development from Arionis, the project process from concept to launch is transparent and manageable. We work iteratively according to a clearly structured plan, a pre-approved pipeline, and a specification – you receive a clear result at every stage within the agreed-upon timeframe. This avoids uncertainty, inflated expectations, and process delays.

What stages does the creation of a 2D game consist of?

Briefing and audit of the idea

We discuss the project's concept, goals, and genres in detail, analyze the audience, business model, and game references, and develop detailed technical specifications.

Prototyping (vertical section)

We create a basic playable version with key mechanics and basic interface elements. This allows us to evaluate the viability of the idea and gameplay and, if necessary, quickly adjust the strategy without wasting time or inflating the budget.

Production

Once the prototypes are approved, the 2D game programming, visual work, and animation begin. Each stage is coordinated and accompanied by a progress demonstration—any aspect can be adjusted without interrupting the process, if necessary.

Testing and release

We conduct internal and, if necessary, external beta testing of the finished product. We then create the final build. We prepare it for launch on target platforms and transfer all materials and rights to the client.

Support and updates (optional)

By agreement, the Arionis team provides post-release support for the title as part of the 2D game development service. This support may include preparing updates, integrating additional content, launching analytics, improvements, and more.

Technologies and tools

The process of developing a custom 2D game encompasses far more than just drawing sprites and writing code. A complete ecosystem of software and tools is required to create a stable and engaging 2D game project:

• Game engines and frameworks – 2D game creation using Unity, Unreal Engine, Phaser, GameMaker Studio.
• Graphics and animation – Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator, Aseprite, Spine / DragonBones / Esoteric Software, TexturePacker.
• Game design and documentation – Miro / Figma, Notion / Google Docs, Trello / Jira.
• Programming languages – we create 2D games in C++, C#, Python, JavaScript / TypeScript and other programming languages.
• Testing and optimization – Unity Profiler / Godot Debugger, TestFairy / Firebase Test Lab, Browser DevTools.
• Backend and analytics – PlayFab / GameSparks / Firebase, Google Analytics / Unity Analytics, Node.js / Python / PHP.
• Additional technologies – AdMob / Unity Ads / IronSource, In-App Purchases SDK (Apple, Google), WebGL / Canvas API, Cloud Build (Unity Cloud, Codemagic), Google Analytics / Unity Analytics.

We select the right technology stack for each project individually. The technology pool depends on the product's deadline, whether in-game purchases, ad integration, native browser graphics, multiplayer, server-side support, AI, and other factors.

Why you should order 2D game development from us

2D games created by Arionis remain a sought-after tool for marketing, training, and MVP launches thanks to their accessibility and speed of implementation. This allows projects to be launched with minimal risk, achieving tangible business results – from increased conversion rates to higher LTV.

Our studio offers full-cycle 2D game development for Android and other platforms with a clear focus on results. We also offer outsourcing, project collaboration, outstaffing, and dedicated IT team services.

Benefits of contacting Arionis:

• Fixed planning and phased reporting. An iterative format, an experienced in-house team, and documentation of each stage of game development ensure complete quality control, transparency, production accountability, and deadline adherence.
• Focus on ROI. When developing a product, we consider not only visuals and game design, but also business results such as retention, LTV, conversion, and return rates.
• A broad technology stack and flexibility. We use modern engines and tools, tailoring the process to the specifics of the project and budget.
• Experience in game development and 2D game development. We work with various genres, platforms, and business models, creating commercial and marketing products.

Ready to discuss your idea? Contact us – we'll help you develop a concept, calculate a budget, develop, and launch your game quickly.