Mountain God Game Character Design

Press Kit

Unique Properties

A character design project inspired by Chinese traditional culture from "The Mountain God and the Proud Insect" is ongoing. It employs 2D/3D techniques to faithfully depict fantastical creatures from different angles, with added traditional Chinese elements for authenticity. This fusion of tradition and technology results in characters embodying unique traditional traits.

Dimensions & Packaging

The character measures approximately 6 meters in height, with a seat behind measuring 10 meters x 7 meters x 11 meters. Surrounding smaller creatures range in size from approximately 0.3 to 0.75 meters. The character can be used in 3D mythological games, visual effects for films, and as collectible figurines. The character utilizes a combination of 2D and 3D technology.

Tags

Chinese mythology, god, superpower, fantasy, otherworld, model

Production Technology

Before designing, extract keywords from the original work for the foundation. Innovate elements like color and shape for inspiration. Gather extensive data, prioritize sketches for style and elements, and use tools like Designdoll, ZBrush, 3ds Max, and Substance Painter. Develop low and high poly models, conduct UV mapping, rendering, and coloring, refining continuously in Photoshop for desired outcome.

Design Challenge

During 3D design, challenges extend to hardware and software limitations. Intricate head details expose flaws in traditional workflows, especially with long hairs causing detail loss. ZBrush's retopology preserves details as a workaround. Some models pose challenges for automatic UV unwrapping, solved by deleting unseen faces beforehand. Limited hardware affects precision, slowing production. Optimal hardware setup is crucial for efficient 3D modeling.

Project Duration

The project began in Beijing in May 2022, completed in August 2022, and was exhibited at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology Art Gallery in July 2023.

Operation Flow

Before design, extract keywords. Brainstorm innovative elements. Gather data, finalize style with sketches. Use Designdoll, Marvelous Designer, ZBrush for shaping. Create low/high-res models, UV map with UVLayout, refine, preview with Keyshot. Enhance materials in 3ds Max, color with Substance Painter, render. Iterate for quality due to hardware limits. Post-process in Photoshop for logos, layout adjustments.

Research

Research on character design inspired by Chinese tradition, particularly "The Mountain God and the Proud Insect" from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Methodology integrates creative exploration, literature review, and design iteration. Data collection involves keyword extraction, utilizing tools like DesignDoll, Marvelous Designer, ZBrush, UVLayout, KeyShot, 3ds Max, and Photoshop.

Inspiration

Since childhood, I've loved Chinese mythology, but noticed its portrayal in books is often flat. Inspired by modern 3D software, I aim to use 2D/3D techniques to give life to creatures from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. My project focuses on authenticity by blending traditional elements with modern technology, creating vivid characters with distinct traditional traits.

Colors of Mountain God Game Character Design