Sprite Kit iOS 7 - how to add a shadow to a SKSpriteNode?

Question

I have a SKSpriteNode containing other SKSpriteNodes. How can I create a copy of this SKSpriteNode where all the pixels are black?

Once I have this shadow SKSpriteNode I will then flip it upside down and use it as a shadow.

Thanks

Answer 1

You can create a shadow using the same image like this :

SKSpriteNode *shadow = [SKSpriteNode spriteNodeWithImageNamed:@"YourImageName"];

shadow.blendMode = SKBlendModeAlpha;
shadow.colorBlendFactor = 1;
shadow.color = [SKColor blackColor];
shadow.alpha = .25;  // make shadow partly transparent

Then just position it however you like based on desired light direction. Alpha isn't needed if you want it to be solid black.