DEVLOG #8
21 June, 2024
Author: Alex Crean
Ski Lodge Murder Dev-log #8: Building An Environment
Milanote Moodboard
INTRODUCTION:
The Environment? A Ski Lodge set in the 1970s and built in the 1920s- a retreat for the wealthy and Mr. Bordeaux's private domain, echoing luxury with its grand wooden beams, roaring fireplaces, and an air of timeless elegance that speaks to an era of sophistication and exclusivity. In this blog, we'll explore how we go from conceptulisation, level design/gameplay, vibe/atmosphere feel and asset creation!
BE AWARE! This is still all a work in progress... with that said, let's delve in!
Character Silhouettes
TRIANGLES OR CIRCLES?
To simplify things, the question posed is directly focusing of the shape language of the environment. But what is shape language?
Current WIP Environment
Shape language is one of the design principles, the shape language principle is prevalent in various forms of media, including popular characters in film and animation, architecture, graphic design, and even product design.
The media plays a significant role in shaping this language, influencing how audiences interpret different shapes and forms.
Popular Characters In animation and film, character design relies heavily on shape language to convey personality traits and emotional states.
For instance:
Round shapes are often used for characters who are friendly, approachable, and good-natured. Think of characters like Mickey Mouse or Baymax from "Big Hero 6."
Square shapes can denote strength, stability, and reliability, often used for characters like Superman or Wreck-It Ralph.
Sharp, angular shapes can convey danger, aggression, or a sinister nature, as seen in characters like Maleficent or the Joker.
WHY DOES THIS ALL MATTER?
Creating an environment that captures the essence of the 1970s is crucial for the narrative and immersive experience of our puzzle-driven game. Utilizing key design principles, such as shape language, enables us to effectively convey the desired feel.
Graphic Explaining Shape Language
THE CONCEPT STAGE
We start like all great artists—gathering research and understanding the feel of the 1970s. This decade was marked by significant political tensions in France, ongoing Cold War pressures, and a vibrant countercultural movement. As we delve into the historical context, we recognize the impact of these dynamics on art and society.
In the early stages of our project, the team quickly agreed on the basic layout and what we were trying to achieve. At this point, we focused more on getting the narrative and gameplay right, leaving the finer visual details for later. As we moved into the concept art phase, the art style took center stage.
We decided to mix the rustic feel of the 1920s with the vibrant flair of the 1970s to create a unique, engaging visual experience. This blend influenced everything from texture choices to the lighting, helping to set the right tone and feel for the game.
From the concept art stage, an asset list is crafted - with references, ensuring the environment aligns with the intended aesthetic and functional requirements as depicted in the initial sketches.
Asset List (Partial)
Trello 3D Art Board
This early prototype environment of a ski lodge showcases our commitment to these principles. The warm, rounded shapes of the furniture evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia, while the earthy tones and subtle lighting add to the cozy, retro ambiance. Each design element is carefully chosen to enhance the player's connection to the setting, making the environment an integral part of the storytelling and gameplay experience.
We hope this has provided some behind-the-scenes tasty goodies for you. By sharing our design process and the importance of shape language in crafting our 1970s-inspired ski lodge environment, we aim to give you a deeper appreciation for the thought and care that goes into our game's development. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build and refine our world, ensuring every detail contributes to an immersive and engaging experience. Your feedback and support are invaluable to us, and we can’t wait to share more with you soon.
Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Want a deep dive on shape language? Check out this guide by Walt Disney on shape language for characters!