DAS Battalion (2019, Prototype)
Summary
DAS Battalion is a real-time strategy RPG featuring living, nomadic mechs, called “Striders.” In this game, you build a convoy of striders, overcoming a harsh wasteland that harbors mechanical pursuers, corroded oppressors, and slumbering horrors.
The art style of DAS Battalion borrows from science fiction, French comics, manga, and even prog-rock album covers. It is designed to be immediately engaging, visually arresting, with an art style designed to help players become immersed in its world and core conceits.
Role
For this project, I was responsible for all of the art, from initial concepts through their 3D implementation. My approach to the art direction was designed to be approachable by a small team but to scale as the project by emphasizing style through unified rendering, modular and reusable pieces, and reliance on simple, procedural IK-driven animation.
Initial Concept Art
Key art and sketches designed to dial in the overall attitude, tone, and forms. A small sample of a huge number of sketches and paintings (physical and digital).
Production Art
Pieces created to move from blue-sky ideation to production, including a guide to lighting and early explorations for player and enemy factions.
Turnarounds to nail down the details and move from sketch to model.
Assets
A few of the 3D models I created as the realization of my concepts. Many ended up in an untextured state, but are otherwise ready for implementation.
