To start, eliminate any empty space surrounding the characters to create more uniform images of varying sizes. Remember to save the offsets and dimensions in a designated file, such as a simple JSON document for organizing your character sprites effectively.
Look for similarities among different sprites. For example, if Run1.png and Run2.png share significant portions at the top but are slightly offset, consider trimming and storing these overlapping sections as one image, while keeping the distinct running legs as separate entities.
Although JPG images do not retain transparent pixels, they offer efficient compression. To address this limitation, consider creating a supplementary 8-bit compressed PNG or custom binary file specifically for transparent pixels – usually 4 bits is sufficient for most transparency needs. By separating the color information into JPG files, you can optimize data storage significantly.
Ensure that duplicated sprites with mere mirrored or rotated variations are handled on the client side rather than transmitted redundantly. Perform mirroring and rotations programmatically during rendering instead.
If working with small sprites in PNG format, opt for an 8-bit color lookup system over the typical 32-bit RGBA configuration. Similarly, for identical sprites only differing in color schemes, implement individual palettes for each variation rather than maintaining separate images; simply substitute pixel colors using the appropriate palette at runtime.
In cases where a character is depicted carrying an object like a gun, extract the item and store it separately from the main sprite. Reintegrate the accessory either during loading or rendering processes for better organization and graphical appeal.