2D and 3D games

2D means 2 dimensions. 2D games have height and width dimensions but no depth; this effectively means that the graphics within the game are flat when you look at them and only one side of objects can be seen. The majority of 2D games have either a birds eye view or side view of the character or landscape. Many early games where created in 2D because the hardware and technology where not power full enough to run the games in 3D. A games platform particularly famous for 2D games is the Sega Megadrive. Also a famous 2D game would be the original Grand Theft Auto, pictured below.

3D means 3 dimensions, the essential difference between 2D and 3D is that 3D also has depth a dimension as well as height and width. This means that instead of a flat appearance 3D games will look more realistic. Also instead of being restricted to certain 2D views many modern 3D games are viewed from a first person perspective. One of the first gaming platforms to introduce 3D games was the N64. An example of a modern day 3D game would be the Halo and Call of Duty game series, pictured below.