Brunirows
Date: June 2023
The Idea
The Brunirows project presented us with an exciting challenge: to create an adorable, memorable character for an upcoming video game. Our vision was to design a character that not only fit perfectly within the game’s world but also possessed a unique charm that would resonate with players on an emotional level. From the start, we knew we wanted the character to have a playful, almost toy-like quality, with simple yet expressive features. The goal was to strike a balance between cuteness and relatability—something that would immediately draw players in while also allowing for a wide range of emotions to be conveyed.
The Process
From concept to completion, we handled every step of the character creation pipeline. The first phase was 3D modeling, where we crafted the character’s basic shape. Keeping with the playful, rounded aesthetic, we created a character with soft, simplified features that would be instantly endearing. We used Blender to model the character, paying attention to the proportions and shapes that would make it look approachable and full of life, while still being functional for gameplay.
Next, we moved on to texturing using Substance Painter. For this character, we wanted textures that felt rich and tangible, so we designed them to look soft and fabric-like, giving the character a handmade, almost plushy appearance. This added to its toy-like charm and gave it a tactile quality that would stand out in the game's world.
One of the unique aspects of this project was creating 2D facial expressions to give the character a range of emotions. By opting for 2D expressions, we were able to amplify the character’s cuteness and add a sense of flexibility in conveying various feelings—whether it’s happiness, curiosity, or determination.
Finally, we worked on rigging the character to ensure it moved naturally and interactively within the game. Rigging allowed us to bring fluid, playful motion to the character, which would contribute to a sense of fun as players engage with it in different gameplay scenarios.
The Finished Product
The result was a fully-realized, adorable main character that seamlessly fit into the game’s world. This little hero, with its toy-like design, fabric textures, and expressive face, was built to capture the hearts of players. The combination of 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and 2D expressions allowed us to bring out the character's charm in every way, creating an immersive, memorable visual experience.
With the Brunirows character, we achieved what we set out to do: crafting a lovable, playable figure that not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also leaves a lasting impression with its vibrant personality.