retired_2symonds

I used a layer mask over the image to give the 'fading out' effect.

I'll be releasing a Photoshop Action that will do all this for you later this week. There is already one released on the sortitoutsi.net forums.

retired_gonzales_885

Not too sure about other applications, but in Fireworks you can create gradient opacity in any direction that you like. You just need to set the canvas colour to transparent and save it as a transparent .PNG file when you've done the necessary changes.

What do you mean by 'fading towards the middle'? Can you post up one of the images so I can take a look at it? (I'm at work so don't have the game installed).

retired_gonzales_885

Oh well, pre-empted by Ter there.