Deckweaver: Descent Into Chaos

Project Overview:

My Role:

As the Art Lead and a technical artist, I had the privilege of working with 8 amazing artists to create a game that holds a special place in my heart. My responsibilities were diverse, ranging from managing artists to personally contributing to various artistic aspects of the game. Some of the skills I brought to this project were rigging, VFX, modeling, and more, ensuring that every element of our project met the highest standards of quality and creativity.

Challenges and Triumphs:

Our journey with “Deckweaver” was not without its hurdles. Two months into the project, we made the bold decision to pivot from our original concept to a rogue-like deck builder, now known as Deckweaver. During this time, we also lost 2 members of the team. This transition required us to take a step back and figure out how to start anew with the concept and how to make up for the previous two months. Despite the challenges, our team rallied together, and the new project renewed our determination. We were able to make considerable strides in our goals even after losing two months.

Technical Proficiency:

Throughout the development process, I leveraged a suite of powerful software tools, including Unreal 5.1, Adobe Creative Suite, Jira, Confluence, Perforce, Maya, and Substance Painter. While working in Unreal, I spent a significant amount of time utilizing their profiling tool to optimize performance. Additionally, I contributed to lighting tasks and assisted with importing animations. I also developed a modular landscape material to enhance the game environment.

As the project progressed, my focus shifted towards VFX, where I relied heavily on the Niagara system to create modular effects efficiently. This approach enabled us to generate over 40 new VFX within a short timeframe, enhancing the game’s visual appeal and gameplay experience.

Collaborating closely with an artist, I utilized Adobe Creative Suite to create promotional material for the game.

Leadership and Collaboration:

As the project progressed, I navigated the dual role of manager and technical artist with finesse and adaptability. I faced the challenge of augmenting our team’s capabilities by sourcing additional talent, all while ensuring that our artistic vision remained cohesive and impactful. In the latter stages of the project, I took on the role of mentor, guiding team members in the creation of captivating visual effects that elevated the gameplay experience.

Conclusion:

“Deckweaver: Descent Into Chaos” stands as a testament to our team’s collective passion and dedication. From its humble beginnings to its triumphant launch, this project embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our industry. I am immensely proud of the role I played in bringing this vision to fruition, and I look forward to embarking on new creative adventures in the future.