This week, I mainly focused on task of creating billboards to clutter the game space and glitchy videos to add to our 3D modeled TVs that will work as our Word Keys. This endeavor aimed to enhance the visual aesthetics of the environment and contribute to the overall immersive experience for players.
Creating our word keys was done in the exact way I had previously done. This involved creating digital distortions, flickering effects, and corrupted visuals on Procreates Animator Canvas. The goal was to simulate technical glitches, emphasizing the imperfect and deteriorating state of the virtual world. I added pixelation elements, color channel separation, static noise, and rapid frame glitches. These effects were applied to the videos, resulting in an unsettling and glitchy appearance. The glitchy videos added an eerie and surreal atmosphere, contributing to the overall immersion and narrative of the game space. These glitches are only found in important areas of the game, thereby guiding a player to the correct areas. I also needed to make sure, though, that these were actually readable in-game. The PSX Shader on top of the glitches make some of the text slightly hard to read, but im hoping this simply adds to the atmosphere.
Designing billboards required a careful balance between capturing attention and fitting into the game's setting. I began by considering the theme and atmosphere of the game space, ensuring that the billboards reflected the surrounding environment. For a run-down setting, I incorporated weathered textures, faded colors, flickering lights, and distressed visuals to convey a sense of neglect and decay. This helped the billboards blend seamlessly into the environment, giving the impression that they had been there for years. I also had to be careful NOT to use words (which was surprisingly difficult), but still make it clear what the advert was ‘selling’. To further enhance the authenticity, I created a variety of billboard designs, ranging from advertisements for outdated products to peeling posters for forgotten events. By incorporating fictional brands and retro-inspired graphics, I aimed to evoke a sense of vintage nostalgia while maintaining a cohesive visual language. These billboards added a layer of storytelling to the game space, providing hints about the world's history and culture.
My colleagues and I have a character that keeps appearing in our game worlds, so it was important to me to add this into the space. Here he is selling top hats!
As I integrated the billboards and glitchy videos into the game environment, I paid close attention to their placement and composition. Cluttering the space with billboards in strategic locations, such as on building facades or in prominent corners (or to hide missing colliders), helped create a visually rich and dynamic atmosphere.