PREMISE

In the development of "Project Discovery", we embarked on the exciting task of designing an alien crater as the entry point and central hub for the player's journey. To bring this environment to life, we employed a combination of 3D assets from Unity 3D Assets packages, as well as integrating our own custom-designed assets.

To begin, we utilized the vast library of high-quality 3D assets available in one of our outsourced 3D assets. These assets provided us with a wide range of alien-themed elements, including rocks, plants, and more. By carefully selecting and integrating these assets into our scene, we were able to establish the alien aesthetic and imbue the crater with a sense of otherworldly beauty.

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USING GAEA

Creating the terrain within Unity was a crucial aspect of designing the alien crater. We utilized both Gaea terrain builder software and Unity's terrain tools to sculpt and mold the landscape, shaping it to match our vision. Gaea offered advanced terrain generation capabilities, allowing us to add intricate details and fine-tune the terrain to match our creative vision. With Gaea, we could generate complex geological formations, such as jagged cliffs, steep ridges, and deep craters, imbuing the environment with a sense of grandeur and mystery. By combining Unity's terrain tools with Gaea, we were able to create a seamless workflow, utilizing the strengths of each software to their fullest extent. Unity's terrain tools provided a solid foundation for shaping the terrain, while Gaea allowed us to push the boundaries of creativity and generate intricate, high-resolution terrains.

The terrain played a vital role in defining the sense of scale and exploration opportunities available to the player.

Terrain iteration 1:

Terrain iteration 2:

As a key element of the game's narrative, the crater served as the player's starting point, positioning them at the center of the map inside a base or outpost. From there, they would embark on their exploration, venturing out into the surrounding environment that dynamically evolved with a day/night cycle. This dynamic environment added a layer of realism and made the player's journey feel more organic and immersive.

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We've meticulously designed and integrated a collection of visually stunning planets, each with its own unique characteristics and captivating environments.

Planets  completed in Houdini | textured in Substance Painter:

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In the depths of unexplored worlds, life takes on extraordinary forms. Our lead artist has crafted an array of alien vegetations that bring these unknown ecosystems to life. Prepare to encounter strange and beautiful plants with vibrant colors, unusual shapes, and mesmerizing bioluminescent properties. These alien vegetations not only serve as a visual feast but also offer opportunities for exploration and discovery as you uncover their unique properties and interactions within the game world.

Alien flora  completed in Houdini | textured in Substance Painter:

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SPEED TREE

Through the use of SpeedTree, we were able to infuse our imagination into every aspect of the vegetation design process. From the initial concept sketches to the intricate details of each leaf and branch, we had the freedom to let our creativity run wild. SpeedTree's extensive library of customizable parameters, including branching patterns, leaf shapes, and growth behaviors, enabled us to craft unique and fantastical vegetation that captures the essence of alien worlds.

Integrating SpeedTree into our game development pipeline has been a seamless and efficient process. With SpeedTree's optimization tools, we were able to ensure that our vegetation not only looks stunning but also performs smoothly within the game world. The dynamic LOD (Level of Detail) system offered by SpeedTree allowed us to optimize performance while maintaining visual fidelity, creating a seamless and immersive experience for players as they explore these alien landscapes.

Alien tree completed in SpeedTree:

Alien flora completed in SpeedTree:

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DAY/NIGHT CYCLE

A dynamic day/night cycle adds a realistic touch to our game world, mimicking the passage of time that occurs in our own lives. As the sun rises and sets, casting stunning hues across the horizon, players are immersed in a vibrant and ever-changing environment. This visual representation of time creates a deeper connection between players and the virtual world they are exploring, making their journey feel more authentic and engrossing.

The day/night cycle isn't merely a visual feature; it also introduces a range of gameplay opportunities. Time progression can affect the availability of quests or events, and alter the dynamics of the game world. By embracing the passage of time, we offer players a dynamic and evolving gameplay experience that keeps them engaged and encourages exploration.

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CUSTOM SKYBOX

In the innovative realm of game design, I embarked on an exhilarating journey to craft a distinctive sci-fi skybox for my game, leveraging the cutting-edge AI technology from Blockade Labs. With a vision to transport players into a mesmerizing universe, I harnessed the power of AI to seamlessly blend intricate celestial formations, ethereal nebulae, and radiant planets, forming an otherworldly backdrop that transcends imagination. Blockade Labs' AI algorithms became my creative collaborator, generating awe-inspiring visuals that evolve dynamically, painting the sky with hues that shift in harmony with the game's narrative beats.

https://skybox.blockadelabs.com/

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BIODOME

Introducing the Biodome – a stunning haven where all the relics you've collected will find a home, serving as a tangible archive of the player's incredible accomplishments.

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CHARGING POD

Power your actions with energy reserves, and recharge swiftly in designated zones. Balance strategy and resource management for an immersive gaming experience.

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MISSION TERMINAL

Keep track of your journey through the game with the Mission Terminal's built-in tracking system. See which missions have been completed, track achievements, and monitor overall progress in the game world.

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The journey of crafting an expansive open-world scene in Unity was a meticulous endeavor that unfolded through various stages of development, each one contributing to the creation of a seamless and captivating gameplay experience. Beginning with the conceptualization and creation of game-ready assets, I meticulously designed and modeled every element, from the awe-inspiring ancient alien entrances to the minute details of the outpost nestled amidst the vast crater landscape. Texture was then meticulously applied into these assets, imbuing them with a realism that resonated with the overarching narrative.

As the scene took shape, lighting was carefully implemented, playing with the interplay of light and shadows, casting an immersive ambiance that heightened the atmospheric allure. Visual effects were later integrated, adding layers of dynamism and enchantment to the environment - from shimmering portals to mysterious arcane energies that emanated from the otherworldly entrances.

This comprehensive creation process converged with the harmonious addition of audio, where each element was carefully synchronized to enhance player engagement. But the true challenge lay in optimization. The Unity environment demanded a delicate balance between preserving artistic vision and ensuring seamless performance. In order to optimise, ingenious techniques were employed to streamline geometry, employ LOD (Level of Detail) systems, and optimize texture resolutions without compromising on the aesthetic allure.

As the development crescendoed towards its zenith, final touches were added, meticulously enhancing every nook and cranny of the map to bestow each area with its unique character. From the outpost’s rusted machinery to the mystical allure of the entrance, each segment of the world was infused with an identity of its own.

This arduous but immensely rewarding journey of design and development culminated in a sprawling open-world scene that transcended the virtual realm, beckoning players to traverse the mesmerizing path through the crater and step into the portals that bridged realities. The symphony of crafted assets, judicious texturing, artful lighting, immersive audio, and streamlined optimization united to forge an awe-inspiring, immersive environment that both honored the artistic vision and offered players an unforgettable odyssey into the heart of an ancient alien civilization's realm.

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