So pre-made item artwork gets boring in games, and we'll have none of it! We've been working closely with our lead concept artist and lead programmer to come up with a way for the game to be able to generate its OWN artwork!
It's in VERY early stages at the moment, and all black and white (the end result will be colour) but already it's totally cool. We're geeking out at the prospect of it being in the game!
The daggers you see above were made by our procedural engine by piecing together lots of small parts designed by our concept lead, Natalie. Basically it breaks it down into much smaller parts, and reassembles them from other parts. The video below shows what it can do with just 8 sets of dagger parts:
So as you can see it can be pretty damn varied! And that's only with 8 different part sets! The demo will have 50 part sets (that's over three hundred million combinations on its own) but we're also going to be making varying materials for each part, so there will end up being literally billions of different daggers in the game. You'll also find other weapon classes such as clubs, shortswords, longswords, axes, pole arms, etc, etc, so you'll never be at a loss for finding unique weapons!
We hope you're as excited about this as we are! We'll keep you posted how it goes as we get further along with it, as it's in a VERY early stage right now!
And, as always, join us on the social networks!
*tips hat*
Magnificent! On every level I applaud this technique; on an artistic, technical, and innovative level, I say "Bravo!"
This should be used in every iteration of this sort of game, it is fantastic! I can say no more, words fail me. :)
Surely we don't deserve such praise! Very glad to hear that you like it! I can't wait to have it working in full colour with all weapon types so that we can show it off! Keep your eyes peeled and watch this space!
I'm still in awe, have you considered the possibilities of 3D models randomly assembling themselves? With a variety of assorted textures and a plethora of decorative frills and multitude of 'bits' to make unlimited 3D apparel for adventures to wear as they travel through lands that are never the same twice?!?! *pant* *pant* The possibilities, truly they are endless... I shall most assuredly be watching this space.
Was definitely thinking about it, but we're keeping with just the icons for now.
But let me tell you this... If Malevolence takes off and is popular enough, we plan on making a sequel. The sequel will use full smooth movement (like Skyrim) but still be procedurally generated and infinite. Everything will be visible in 3D. No holds barred! But for now it's too much work. We need to know if the concept of an infinite game will be received well enough before we dedicate our time to a game of that magnitude. So Malevolence is kind of testing the water for us!
This is a very, very cool idea. Simple (but brilliant) concept, solid execution!
Thank you! We're totally geeking out about it!
I miss the weapon in the player's view since I played System Shock and Ultima Underworld, but this makes up for it. I can't wait to play this.
Glad you like it! Our test team had mixed responses to the removal of the visible weapons, but have since told us that after playing it for a while with just the "swoosh" graphics, they actually prefer it, because it feels more immersive. Hopefully everyone else feels the same way!
Dudes this is worlds of awesome.
This will add so much.
Thank you! We're totally geeking out about it ourselves!
Hey developer love the look of that how can I get into the beta by the way I have been looking and I dont see how :(
"Welcome to the 21 century, where people think everyone can just join the beta of a game because of the beta-demos big game developers release."
Btw, the weapon generation looks great!
I575.photobucket.com
Thanks for the compliment! We're really excited about having these in the game!
We're only in alpha at the moment. We put clues on how to get into the alpha across the various pages we operate so that only the really dedicated fans would get in. Since then it's been closed off and our alpha test has begun. When beta testing begins, the test team will be hand-picked by only the most trusted testers.
I meant no disrespect I was honestly curious and was willing to go through a process.
Oh, no disrespect taken. Just letting you know how it all worked :)