What effect should be applied to blur areas of an image not in focus?

Applying a Depth of Field effect is an effective way to blur areas of an image that are not in focus. This technique mimics the way cameras capture images, where only objects at a certain distance from the camera appear sharp, while everything else gradually becomes out of focus. Depth of Field enhances the realism of your scene by guiding the viewer's attention to the focal elements, creating a sense of depth and immersion.

In game design, this effect can create a cinematic feel, allowing players to concentrate on important aspects of the game while softer, blurred backgrounds can suggest distance and atmospheric depth. It contributes to storytelling by emphasizing specific characters, objects, or areas within the game environment.

Other effects like Vignette, Motion Blur, and Color Correction have their specific purposes but do not serve the same function. A Vignette darkens or brightens the edges of an image, focusing attention towards the center without necessarily blurring the background. Motion Blur simulates the blurriness of fast-moving objects but does not specifically affect depth perception or focal detail. Color Correction deals with the color grading and tonal balance of the image rather than the sharpness or focus. Thus, Depth of Field is the most suitable technique for achieving the desired focal blur in a scene.