SANCTUM Bunker

Environment Design

Final Major Project

OVIDIU ARICIUC

A post-apocalyptic adventure

In “MUTAGEN”, players dive into a post-apocalyptic wasteland consumed by the deadly Chimera virus. A group of survivors, known as “The Pioneers”, has built a fortified bunker called “Sanctum”. Their mission? To reverse the virus’s effect and restore the world. But the wasteland outside is a nightmare, filled with mutated creatures and deadly hazards. Players must navigate the hostile terrain, uncover the virus’s secrets, and confront the horrors that now roam the land.

SANCTUM Bunker – The heart of MUTAGEN

Key points:

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• The central game environment
• The last refuge of humanity
• A scientific research and experimentation
• Diverse environments within
• Resource management and crafting
• Player choices impact the bunker

SANCTUM – Mood board

SANCTUM Bunker – Key Areas

A winning genre

• Post-apocalyptic games have proven track record of success.
• Titles like Fallout, The Last of Us, and Metro Exodus have sold millions of copies.
• Known for compelling and immersive storytelling, engaging mechanics, and character development.

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Fallout

The Last of Us

Metro: Exodus

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

A winning genre

Learning from the best

Inspirations:

• Games that excel in depicting post-apocalyptic worlds
• Attention to environmental details
• Use of light and shadows

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Environment Artist requirements

• Creating interesting, detailed, and visually appealing environments.
• Passion for bringing concept arts and level designs to life.
• Proficiency in industry-leading 3D packages: 3DS Max, Maya, Blender.
• Familiarity with game engines / level editors.
• Deep understanding of PBR systems and optimisation techniques.

Strengths

• Creativity / artistic skills
• 3D modelling
• Texturing
• Lighting
• Time management
• Feedback / Iteration / Adaptability
• Passion

My toolbox

Key tools:

• 3D modelling – Maya
• Texturing and materials – Substance Painter & Designer
• Game Engine - Unreal Engine 5
• Rendering – Unreal Engine 5
• Graphics – Adobe Creative Suite for concept art and textures
• Optimisation – techniques for efficient resource usage

Project and Time Planning - Trello

Project Current Status

Project Submission

• Beauty Shots – High quality renders of the environment from different angles and perspectives showcasing details, composition, lighting, overall visuals.
• Flythroughs – Videos that provide a dynamic view of the environment.
• Detail Shots – To highlight specific areas or features of the environment; close-up shots can reveal detailed assets, textures, materials, etc.

Future Updates

• To complete the whole bunker environment, including the key areas that may not be part of the final submission.
• Playable version of the environment.
• Expanded environments – to work on additional environments beyond the bunker to show the world outside.

Thank you!

Q & A?

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