16bitising

16bitising is a digital art technique that emulates the visual style of 16-bit era video games. This involves reducing the color palette of an image or artwork to a limited set of colors, typically within the range of 16 to 256 distinct hues, mimicking the constraints of early graphics hardware. The process often includes intentional pixelation, where individual pixels become visible, and the use of dithering techniques to simulate intermediate colors and create gradients.

The aesthetic of 16bitising is characterized by its distinct blocky appearance and vibrant, often simplified, color schemes. Artists use this style to evoke nostalgia for classic video games or to achieve a unique retro look in their digital creations. This can be applied to various forms of media, including character art, environments, and even photographic manipulation. Software tools and plugins are available to assist in the 16bitising process, allowing for precise control over color reduction, pixel grid application, and dithering patterns. The goal is to capture the charm and visual limitations of 16-bit graphics while leveraging modern digital tools.