Creating characters for games is not an easy task. In addition to the fact that each of them must match the setting of the game, they also need to be special, they must stand out and be remembered. Companies providing character design services are well aware of all the subtleties and pitfalls of developing characters from scratch. But they certainly don’t want to share their main secrets.
What makes the characters truly awesome? How to connect them with players at a glance? There are no clear-cut algorithms. But there are certain recommendations and tips that will help you move in the right direction.
Explore but Don’t Copy
Artists need a source of inspiration, especially if they are faced with the challenge of creating new character concepts from scratch on a daily basis. It is common and normal practice to study existing examples. However, here it is important not to get carried away and not rely too much on references.
If an example is always in front of your eyes, then it will be much more difficult for you to create something unique. And if you study it and then remove it, then your imagination will begin to create the missing details and fill the character’s image with really interesting features.
Beware of Others’ Mistakes
Research is great not only as a search for inspiration but also as a definition of what to avoid. Examining other people’s characters, the artist will easily discover boring clichés, incompatible details, and contradictory features that spoil the overall impression.
At the same time, you can record those techniques that seemed successful to you. They may not be useful in the current project, but they will be excellently applied in the next one.
Don’t Get Far From The Original Idea
It is very difficult to keep the fantasy in check. Once the creative process has already begun, it is impossible to predict what will happen in the next minute and what direction the new design will take. Some artists are so carried away by new ideas that they can no longer remember where they started. And that could be a big mistake.
Constant rework and attempts to improve the design take the artist away from the original idea. As a result, he or she may not even remember what was required initially. Therefore, no matter how difficult it is, you must always remember the main concept. In order not to constantly find the necessary information in the game design document, you can select for yourself the main elements of the character description and keep them somewhere nearby.
Add Uniqueness
Whoever your character is, there are probably thousands, if not more, of the likes of him or her. So your job is to make them stand out. And if with cartoon characters it is easier to do this with the help of bright colors and hypertrophied forms, then, for example, a realistic 3D game will not allow such experiments.
The creation of a visual image is primarily based on the history and background of the characters. Every serious event that happened in their lives left an imprint on their appearance. It can be a scar, premature gray hair, features of posture, etc. Be sure to determine how your character will differ from other games of the same genre. This will make your creation memorable.
Final Words
The magic of character creation never ends. If an artist loves free work, then he or she will never create two characters that look alike. In fact, the characters are almost indistinguishable from living people. They have a past, history, habits, beliefs, delusions, ups and downs. They are simply in another world.
The best way to guarantee your play with great characters is to contact Kevuru Games studio at kevurugames.com. Here you will find not only cool specialists with a deep knowledge but also a complete understanding of all the nuances and specifics of your game. The team will offer you the best options to make your characters sparkle with the brightest colors and amaze the players.
