Outer Wilds: Huntress & Dig
Escape Studios ⋆ MA Character & Creature Creation ⋆ Module 2 Project
This project focused on design and development of a character & creature pair. Inspired by Outer Wilds, I created a pairing with a symbiotic relationship pitched as a narrative continuation of the base game.
Only one 3D model was required for the project - I chose to create the Huntress. I am currently recreating both assets from scratch to a higher standard including a model of Dig, with a focus on more stylised character models, clothing creation in Marvelous Designer (ZRemodeler tools were used here), new procedural texturing to match the base game, and refined lighting. This was a very strong concept but lacks refinement overall, and I am excited to redo this with new skills and confidence gained over the remainder of the MA.
Character Concept
Development
Sculpting
Low Poly
ZBrush
High Poly
ZBrush
For this project I chose not to add tertiary details during the sculpt, adding these through texturing instead. When redoing the Huntress I will add tertiary detailing during the sculpt phase, baking it before texturing for greater depth.
UVs
Maya
UVs were created manually in Maya. Since this project I have learned to keep texel density consistent and use UV tile space more efficiently. I would also use a lower resolution for accessories for optimisation.
Texturing
Textures were created in Substance Painter, combining readily available Substance Community Assets with hand painted details. In future I will redo this to match the Outer Wilds style as closely as possible, whereas this result was more experimental whilst getting to grips with the software. I also lacked a lookdev scene which is now paramount to all my work in order to keep consistency across assets.
UE Renders
Lighting setup in UE5.4, rendered in 2K. The background is too low resolution and distracts from the model, and lighting is too high contrast when compared to the base game reference. Redoing textures alongside lighting will create a much more professional result.
Dig
The ‘Dig’ creature is a counterpart to the Huntress, combining elements of truffle-hunting dogs and pigs. I did not sculpt this during the module but is a good example of design that considers relationships to other characters, backstory, and visual links between the pair. Development, turnarounds, model sheets and texture references were all finalised below.
