Nudge VR

Nudge is a VR interactive story prototype, set in a post apocalyptic future. My role in the project was to create designs for the two lead characters as well as some additional assets used for dressing the environment. My character designs were used as the basis for the low poly models created by the project’s 3D Artist.

For: Grace Baird & StoryFutures

Skills: Character Design, Asset Creation, Illustration

Grace approached me to create character designs for Nudge VR, her interactive escape room – style game, funded by StoryFutures. The multiplayer experience allows two players to embody the main characters, Alex and Billie who are attempting to escape an AI run regime for a better future.

Grace briefed me on who her characters were and how she imagined they would look. She provided visual mood board reference, which I used to start sketching out ideas and explore their personalities. Due to the prototype nature of the project, the final 3D models would have to be created in a low poly style, something I needed to keep in mind whilst designing. I had to ensure the designs weren’t overly complicated and to consider how colour and accessories could be best utilised to add visual interest.

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The project also required some additional assets to help dress the environment and convey the narrative. As it wouldn’t be possible to create a full intro animation for the prototype’s opening scene, the team utilised stills I’d created to help tell the story. I also designed a simple logo for the fictional company ‘URCo’ , and a design for ‘VEAP’ the virtual assistant that guides players through the experience.

This was my first project designing assets for VR and I really enjoyed being involved in the creative process. There were plenty of challenges to solve around the multiplayer aspect of the game; how to handle events when two players are playing in parallel, pacing the story and creating engaging interactions – I loved discussing this and exploring possible solutions with the team. Videos of the final prototype playing as Billie and as Alex can be viewed on Youtube.