Let’s go to the discovery of the creative process of the character design of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, which is explained to us directly by the guys from Ember Lab
In a historical period in which delays, in the videogame field, are now on the agenda, as certified by the postponements of Dying Light 2 and Battlefield 2042, there is a title that seems to be close to its official debut (despite it too has been the subject of various slips). We are talking about Kena: Bridge of Spirits, the long-awaited title developed by Ember Lab, now ready to land on PS4, Ps5 e PC. And when day one is just a few days away, the development team has decided to share some aspects of the game’s development process, illustrating the stages that characterized the game. work related to character design.
Ember Lab illustrates the process behind the character design of Kena: Bridge of Spirits
The team discussed the creative phase within a post appeared on the official PlayStation blog, indicating how the initial design was entrusted to Wanchana “Vic” Intrasombat, who had already collaborated with Ember Lab in the past, but this time had carte blanche on the project, so as to highlight their own peculiar style.
Kena, in these early stages, he looked extremely young, but the developers soon thought that given the roles of Spirit Guide that he should have covered in the game, that characterization was not very suitable, so it was decided to make it more adult.
To realize the first 3D model of the girl was Rodrigo Gonçalves, which following the creation of the prototype has dedicated itself to a continuous finishing process, including an experimentation of various techniques in real time, used to give life to some details, such as hair. He was joined by the 3D development veteran Carlos Ortega.
Among the aspects that Ember Lab immediately identified as focal in the economy of production there is that linked to Kena expressions: since his personality is expressed through movements and actions, it was understood how everything would need a high depth, combined with a wide range of expressiveness. Precisely for this reason the animators, during the production process, have created one library of expressions and details, such as hands and hair position. This provided a tool that could quickly unify and refine animations, as well as bestow one consistency to the appearance of Kena for the duration of the game.
A great deal of work was also required by the movement of hair and clothes, which has also been of great importance as regards the realization of the wind. The protagonist, also, despite all the characters are influenced by physics, has seen each of his animation made entirely by hand.
Before saying goodbye, and renewing the invitation to stay in the company of TechGameWorld.com, we remind you that Kena: Bridge of Spirits will be released on September 21st, on PS5, PS4 and PC via the Epic Games Store. For all the offers dedicated to the world of gaming, however, our advice is to visit the Instant Gaming pages.