If you’ve ever dabbled in 3D modeling, game development, or even just admired the intricate designs of video game characters and environments, you might have come across the term “n gons.” At first glance, it sounds like some obscure mathematical concept—and in a way, it is. But in the world of video games, n-gon play a crucial role in shaping the digital worlds we love.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore:
- What an n-gon is and why it matters in 3D modeling
- How n gons affect video game performance and design
- The debate among game developers: Are n gon good or bad?
- Real-world examples of n gons in popular video games
- Best practices for handling gon in game development
Whether you’re a budding game developer, a 3D artist, or just a curious gamer, this guide will shed light on one of the most intriguing—and sometimes controversial—aspects of game design.
What Is an N-Gon?
The Mathematical Definition
In geometry, an n-gon (short for “n-sided polygon”) is any polygon with n number of sides. For example:
- 3 sides → Triangle (3-gon)
- 4 sides → Quadrilateral (4-gon)
- 5 sides → Pentagon (5-gon)
- And so on…
In pure mathematics, an n gon can have any number of sides, even hundreds or thousands. But when it comes to 3D modeling and video games, the term n gon takes on a more specific meaning.
N-Gon in 3D Modeling
In 3D modeling software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, an n-gon refers to a polygon with five or more sides (5-gon and above). Most 3D models in video games are built using triangles (tris) and quadrilaterals (quads) because they are easier to work with and render efficiently.
However, n gon (5+ sides) sometimes appear in models, either intentionally or accidentally. The question is: Are they a problem?
Why Do N-Gon Matter in Video Games?
1. Rendering and Performance
Video game engines (like Unreal Engine, Unity, or CryEngine) ultimately convert all polygons into triangles before rendering. This process is called triangulation.
- Quads and triangles triangulate predictably.
- N-gons can triangulate in unexpected ways, leading to:
- Visual glitches (weird shading, distorted textures)
- Performance issues (inefficient rendering)
2. Mesh Deformation (For Animations)
When a 3D character moves, its mesh deforms. Models made mostly of quads deform smoothly, while n-gon can cause unnatural bends or pinching.
Example:
- A character’s face made with quads → Smooth facial animations.
- The same face with n gon → Might distort weirdly when smiling.
3. UV Unwrapping and Texturing
Applying textures to a model requires UV unwrapping—flattening the 3D mesh into 2D space.
- Quads and triangles unwrap cleanly.
- N gon can cause stretching or overlapping textures.
The Great Debate: Are N-Gon Good or Bad?
The Anti-Gon Camp (Purists)
Many veteran 3D artists and game developers avoid n gons entirely, arguing:
✅ Better performance (fewer rendering issues)
✅ Cleaner topology (easier to edit and animate)
✅ Predictable behavior (no weird triangulation surprises)
The Pro-N-Gon Camp (Pragmatists)
Some modern workflows allow n-gon in certain cases, because:
✅ Faster modeling (fewer polygons to manage in complex shapes)
✅ Acceptable in static objects (e.g., buildings, props that don’t deform)
✅ Modern engines handle them better (with improved triangulation)
Middle Ground: “It Depends”
Most professionals agree:
- Avoid n-gon in deformable meshes (characters, creatures).
- N gons can be okay in hard-surface models (guns, vehicles, architecture).
Real-World Examples of N-Gon in Games
1. The Good: When N-Gon Work
Some games use n gon effectively in static objects where they don’t cause issues:
- “Half-Life: Alyx” (2020) – Uses optimized geometry with occasional n gon for props.
- “The Witcher 3” (2015) – Some environmental assets have n gons without problems.
2. The Bad: When N-Gon Cause Problems
- Early 3D Games (1990s-2000s) – Poorly optimized models led to glitches.
- Modding Communities – Amateur mods sometimes introduce n gon that break animations.
Best Practices for Handling N-Gon in Game Dev
If you’re a 3D artist or game developer, here’s how to manage gons:
1. Convert N-Gon to Quads/Tris
- Use retopology tools (Blender’s “Triangulate” or “Quadrangulate”).
- Manually split n gon into cleaner geometry.
2. Use Them Sparingly
- Only in non-deforming, static meshes.
- Avoid characters, organic models, or animated objects.
3. Test in Engine
- Import your model into Unity/Unreal and check for rendering issues.
- Look for shading errors or texture problems.
4. Follow Industry Standards
- AAA studios often enforce “quad-only” policies for characters.
- Indie devs might be more flexible but should still optimize.
Conclusion: N-Gon—A Tool, Not a Villain
N-gon aren’t inherently “bad”—they’re just misunderstood. While they can cause problems in certain scenarios, they also offer modeling efficiency when used wisely.
Key Takeaways:
✔ N-gon are polygons with 5+ sides.
✔ They can cause rendering, animation, and texturing issues.
✔ Best avoided in deformable models but sometimes okay in static ones.
✔ Modern engines handle them better, but optimization is still key.
Whether you’re modeling the next iconic game character or just curious about how games are made, understanding n-gon helps demystify the art of 3D design.
