Roles: Modeller, Developer, Level Designer, Texture Artist, Shader Artist
Team Size: 10-20
I was asked to make one last minute level, a sprawling network of crevasse caves deep under the glacier.
A concept that is very simple and also holds so much potential, no special mechanics, just wayfinding and a flashlight in the deep dark ice.
To create this network on time I turned to the brand new geometry nodes in Blender. I built a curve based system – you could literally draw caves – to speed up the process of modeling the level. This non-destructive element made iterating on the art for the level extremely quick.
Once we where happy with he bones of the level I added some distinct landmarks:
- Two massive caverns, designed to work with VR’s enhanced depth perception to inspire awe. These are the only areas where natural light can beam into the level and light your way. These are also the only areas you can fall to your death if you aren’t careful.
- Collapsible dead end caves, these traps are hear to add a bit of challenge to the labyrinth. Tell tale lose ice gives them away, but if you stumble into them an animated tell and audio cue help you run to safety before the ceiling falls in.
