As you explain it, it seems pretty clear to me that 3D rendering seems to be the preferable way. Creating 2D games without drawing stuff yourself or without having somebody who is drawing as a team member is a huge risk. I've seen several games where the commissioned artist had to be changed for one reason or the other and it rarely goes well in my opinion - unless it's a small scale project.
Yeah, that's basically my fear. I've worked in the field of Web design, Graphic design, and Marketing for many years. Even contracting out for jobs in the field is a huge risk. Have to keep changing people until you find someone that can actually do the work properly and be consistent.
then the answer is simple, you just won't have enough time EVEN if you were great at art. I mean you can do it of course, but it'll take years longer that it'll already take. and unless the project is something personal you feel compelled to create, it'll just drown you almost certainly.
This. Same reason why we went with 2D for our own project. Same reason why something like Battle Brothers and Summertime Saga will be playable two decades from now, and AAA+ games will look like garbage. You can still watch Disney movies from decades ago, but anything with 3D shots ages visibly in as little as a few years.
That's how I wanted to compare it because (a) thats the type of 3D work i can create at this moment and (b) thats the type of 2d artwork I would want in my game if I went that route. I know its expensive but its the type of content I enjoy. if I'm creating a game, I want it to be as good as I can make it (as does everyone).
Right, and that's where the issue is. Time vs money. Do I just go with 3D even though it's not 100% the art I want for the game but its something I can create. Or spend a ton of money and frustration on finding a few good artists for 2D artwork. Money that i don't even have so that would have to come later anyway.
I agree with this as well and that's why I'm have a tough time deciding. Its basically a money issue at this point. Doing the 3D artwork would allow me to keep things cheap. The way I would want the 2D artwork done would be way more expensive. Plus, I would have to raise money first to even get the funds for it. Which in itself is a big undertaking. It seems like I'm only left with one viable option.
Go with 3D then. Make a good game, build up a following. Then you can leverage that to pay for a new project in 2D. There's no point paying for hundreds of dollars of 2D art unless you're independently wealthy and making a passion project. Especially if you don't have the money in the first place, and have to work overtime or an extra job to secure it. You'll burn out long before you finish the game.
That's what I've been thinking here lately. Just do it in 3D, then switch to 2D if I get the funds. I was even thinking just stick with 3D for the whole game then when I get some income from it, start adding into 2D content. Instead of mixing and matching or replacing, just offer an (alternative view). Let the user decide if they would rather see 3D renders or 2D illustrations.Go with 3D then. Make a good game, build up a following. Then you can leverage that to pay for a new project in 2D. There's no point paying for hundreds of dollars of 2D art unless you're independently wealthy and making a passion project. Especially if you don't have the money in the first place, and have to work overtime or an extra job to secure it. You'll burn out long before you finish the game.
Alternatively, try to find an artist to team up with who shares your vision. That's what we did - all 3 of us are IRL friends (one of whom does all the art). You can try looking for someone via F95 or even Reddit, there's plenty of places to search. Even 4chan has regular threads for this kind of thing. And you can always default back to 3D if you don't manage to find anyone.
Good luck!
