Digital Precept // 2019 Oculus Launch Pad Grant Winner

Mend

Virtual Reality

The Problem

The challenge presented in this project was to create game assets for Mend, an asymmetrical co-op game with a unique painterly style that invites both flat-screen and VR players to join the adventure. Mend, an Oculus Launch Pad grant-winning project by Justin Palmer tells the captivating story of Eva and Cana, twin sisters from a long-lost culture of adventurers. Upon discovering a mysterious machine, Ava is transformed into a giant ethereal version of herself. The sisters then embark on a collecting quest to repair the machine and mend Ava. The task involved designing and optimizing assets for the VR and co-op PC gaming experience while capturing the game's distinctive style through hand-painted texture techniques and stylized modeling.

The Solution

To bring this captivating world to life, I collaborated closely with the concept artist, utilizing hand-painted texture techniques to capture the game's unique painterly style while modeling the assets in a stylized manner. Ensuring that the assets were optimized for both VR and co-op PC experiences, I successfully designed and integrated them into the game. Additionally, I worked on creating the controller UI and helped with concepting the diegetic UI alongside the director/lead game designer, further enriching the immersive gameplay experience for players.

Responsibilities

UI Design, 3D Modeling, Texturing, Asset Optimization

Software used

Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe Illustrator, Blender, ZBrush, Unity

Featured

Developer Spotlight: MEND | Oculus Launch Pad

The Process

Embarking on the exciting journey of creating assets for Mend, a Meta-funded VR co-op game, began with a deep dive into the concept art and art direction. Next, I immersed myself in the unique painting techniques and cultural references that defined the game's visual identity. The rich Mesoamerican influences, which shaped the game's distinct aesthetic, required careful study to ensure the assets would be an authentic and engaging representation.

With a solid grasp of the game's visual language, I focused on modeling, UV mapping, and sculpting the assets. Throughout the process, I prioritized performance and compatibility, ensuring the gaming experience would be smooth and immersive. Once the assets were completed, I tested them in Unity to guarantee seamless integration into the game.

While the game is currently on hiatus, one of the aspects I genuinely appreciate about Mend is its accessibility. The game caters to flat-screen and VR players, inviting everyone to participate in the shared gaming experience. As I created the assets and considered the diegetic UI, I paid close attention to factors such as colorblindness and accessibility, ensuring the game would be enjoyable and inclusive for a diverse audience. This commitment to accessibility demonstrates the power of creative collaboration and the endless possibilities of immersive gaming experiences.

Digital Precept