Tool/Software Used: Blender, Embergen, Photoshop, Poliigon, Dehancer, Kitbashed assets

The Challenge

To create a high-level environment design for a video game in which the player, a stranded microbiologist, must do her best to survive the elements. Using her electronic microscope, to explore the micro and macro to figure out who the Hand of God is and why it trapped her here in the first place.

The Outcome

A set of 4 groups of images showcasing how the world could look.

The Macro

The antagonist, Hand of God, is a mystic unseen in the real world, but you do see this entity's actions throughout the environment. The first challenge our protagonist encounters is her ship being consumed by the ground.

Because this was caused by the “Hand of God, “I wanted it to seem like a hand grabbing the ship and preventing the microbiologist from leaving.

Hand of God

Shown above is the design for Hand of God. This entity challenges our main character by manipulating the planet the microbiologist is stranded on. In the game, the microbiologist sees visions of this hand working against her. This is one of her visions.

I felt like the Hand of God was mystical yet powerful. So, I chose to use fog and smoke to create a mystic-like atmosphere. Then, in the hands sits a floating crystal. I was using this to show power beyond that which is preserved.

The Cave

A nearby cave attracts biologists. The cave serves as a place to demonstrate microbiologist abilities and explain the mechanics of the game.

Lighting guides the player to a place to use their electron microscope. Throughout the game, the player learns to find more places like this so that they can continue the story in the world of the microscopic.

The Micro

As the Hand of God causes havoc environmentally, it carelessly leaves clues in the micro. The player finds patterns in the macro that seem out of place, but when explored in the micro, a series of clues are revealed as puzzles are solved.

I created the Micro to feel small but vast, taking inspiration from small creatures like beetles, water bears, and others.

Design Process

My process often includes writing, sketching, research/image collection, designing, and polishing in that order.

When it came to creating this project, a lot of sculpting was used to create the main shapes and details. Then, through the shading process, I brought out that detail by making out the crevices.

Further polishing was done in Photoshop for color and contrast.