Designing Unique Characters: A Guide to Bringing Classic Figures to Life in Video Games
01. Define Your Core Concept
When reimagining a classic character, a designer should begin by researching the source material and defining the character’s core role and thematic identity within their own property. It’s essential to hone in on the keys to retaining that familiarity besides just the name. In the case of Alice the Wanderer, we determined it was her youthful, delicate hairstyle, the knee-length, puff-sleeved dress that made people instantly identify with the character.
Alice in RAID: Shadow Legends is a warrior, so the contrast of the perfectly coiffed hair and a ruggedized version of the dress paired with weaponry created a unique eye-catching dynamic. Fitting her into RAID’s universe required a major adjustment, as her gear design incorporated both the game’s aesthetics and symbols from a deck of cards.
02. Establishing the Character’s Silhouette and Expressions
Before putting pen to paper, we began the creative process by determining where the characters fit within RAID’s many Factions, which is how we organize our 800+ Champions based on their demeanor, skill sets, and overall style. We then develop visual language through research, silhouette blocking, and material detailing, ensuring that each element reinforces their transformation into RAID Champions.
For the Queen of Hearts, it meant amplifying her existing dominance and making her an undeniable force on the battlefield. It is also important for character designers to remember they aren’t just making a unique character for the faithless; they are creating a character that will be experienced by players. This is crucial for maintaining a sense of authenticity and immersion.
03. Detailing and Refinement
Once the silhouette and expressions were locked in for the Queen of Hearts, we refined her armor and materials to enhance her storytelling through design. Her armor was given deep red accents, a direct nod to her royal power and blood-soaked battlefield history. The iron-plated textures evoke the feeling of a warlord rather than just a ruler, reinforcing the idea that she fights for control and doesn’t just rule from a throne.
04. Testing and Adjustments
Once the core model for the Queen of Hearts was developed, we tested it in RAID’s environments to ensure she stood out while feeling grounded in the game world. Initially, we placed her in the Knights Revenant showcase scene to see how her lighting and materials reacted. We also tested her in battle environments to verify that her imposing stature and armor details remained visually striking from different camera angles. Adjustments were made to contrast her against other characters, making sure her silhouette remained distinct, even in chaotic battles.
05. Conclusion
In this article, we’ve outlined the steps we took to design characters for RAID: Shadow Legends x Alice’s Adventure. From defining the core concept to detailing and refinement, we’ve shown how to bring a classic character to life in a video game. By following these steps, you can create a character that is both familiar and unique, engaging and immersive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most important aspect of designing a character for a video game?
A: Defining the character’s core concept and staying true to the source material while still making it unique for the game.
Q: How do you ensure the character stands out in a game world?
A: By developing a strong silhouette, using contrasting colors, and refining the character’s design through detailing and testing.
Q: What is the key to making a character feel authentic and immersive?
A: By staying true to the character’s original traits and incorporating them into the game world in a way that feels natural and consistent.
