Greetings, folks!
As we work on the upcoming Early Access updates for Bloodshed, we'd also like to tell you more about how the game came to be. And that's what we are kicking off today with the making-of update series 'In the Midst of Bloodshed'.
In Bloodshed, you can expect a diverse array of unique characters, each entering the fray with their own strengths and weaknesses. Although you’ll control these characters from a first-person perspective and won’t see them directly in the game, it’s important to us to breathe life into them through individual character portraits.
The character selection screen in Bloodshed
The character development process is both exciting and multifaceted. Initially, we focus heavily on gameplay: How should the character feel? What makes them unique compared to others? What stats and special abilities do they bring to the table, and what weapons or spells do they wield in battle? Once we have established a functional foundation and are satisfied with the gameplay, we turn our attention to their appearance and backstory.
Ideally, we already have a rough idea of the character traits that will influence the design. To create more diversity, we develop different archetypes, which we then refine until a clear picture of the character emerges.
Character fact sheet and moodboard from our development wiki
A crucial tool in this process is our character profile. This contains standardized information that describes both the visual design and the personality of the character. We determine which stereotypes apply to them, which notable quotes best express their nature, and what their proportions and physique look like. Finally, we create a short biography or backstory that fully encapsulates the character.
Another important element is our mood board, which consists of a variety of images that align with our visual vision. Armed with all this information, we approach our talented character artist, who produces the first sketches of the character. These are often still in black and white but already contain a lot of detail.
Character line art, colorization with basic colors blocked in & the final artwork of Jared, our ruthless gunslinger
After refining the details, we move on to the initial coloring phase, where we establish the basic color palette. In this stage, we also define materials and lighting effects to bring the character to life. Once everything feels right, the final artwork is completed and integrated into the game.
We hope you enjoy discovering and experimenting with the heroes of Bloodshed. Stay tuned for more issues of 'In the Midst of Bloodshed' providing you more insights into our development process!
See you next time!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2747550/Bloodshed/