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Submitted: November 29, 2011
Image Size: 455 KB
Resolution: 900×900

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Views: 3,172 (7 today)
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Sister Psyche Playstyle Illustrationby *pixel-saurus

Designs & Interfaces / Game Development Art / 2D Game Art / Characters, Animals & Monsters

Sister Psyche in-game illustration, portraying the healing/buffing Support class.

With the launch of CITY OF HEROES FREEDOM, we took the opportunity to refresh the game in all sorts of ways: new tutorial, new character creator, new store, new monthly content, new starting missions and--most importantly for me--an entirely new 2D style for both in-game and marketing assets.

Previously, Paragon had used highres 3D models for this purpose, but because they cost a ton of time and resources to make, and because we wanted a fresh new 'face' for the game, we introduced a semi-realistic concept style in a number of places including the character creator UI, the comic that precedes the new Tutorial, covers for the monthly Signature Stories, and of course the marketing.

This was one of the biggest paradigm shifts of my career--a moment where I had to try something completely different and new and unlike anything I'd ever attempted in comics. Our game's always been presented as mature and classy in its front-facing artwork, and we needed to carry that forward. (A few failed experiments with a traditional comic style proved as much.) So we went for a photo-sourced Alex Ross-meets-digital paint kind of vibe.

Took a little practice to figure out the completely new methodology, but I'm incredibly happy that things worked out as they did. I'm learning a ton artistically, and I think the new style's been a great 'fit' for the game as well. Win-win all around.

The Playstyle images represent my first forays into the new style, and it's only getting better from here.

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Check out my dedicated concept art gallery here: [link]

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~weaselton Dec 2, 2011

Now if only COH's latest update had not made my video card obsolete for the game.

*pixel-saurus Dec 3, 2011 Professional Digital Artist

Hm. Not sure what might've happened there. Most of the engineering's been focused on expanding access and ease of use.

~weaselton Dec 4, 2011

It was a big shock for me cause before that update it was smooth sailing.

My guess is a bug in the coding or something.

*pixel-saurus Dec 4, 2011 Professional Digital Artist

Driver issue perhaps?

~weaselton Dec 4, 2011

That's what it said, but I checked my driver and it is up to date.

~Northwarden Nov 30, 2011

Ahhh, Psyche. Can't go wrong drawing her.

But I may be biased.

B.V.V.

*pixel-saurus Nov 30, 2011 Professional Digital Artist

I certainly enjoyed it! And yes, you are.

~AgentSlytherin Nov 29, 2011 Student General Artist

Oh my gosh, they ARE your drawings!! I rejoined for Freedom a couple months ago, and saw the whole new interface, and the first thing I marveled at were these art pieces. They definitely keep the comic-book-y style, while being life-like enough for a game centered around being a superhero. I just really liked them. Awesome to know they were done by you!

*pixel-saurus Dec 6, 2011 Professional Digital Artist

You made my day! It was a risk to try something this different, so I'm thrilled that it's working out.

~AgentSlytherin Dec 7, 2011 Student General Artist

"Working out"?? David, your art kicks ass! Makes me want to get more serious about digital art.

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