Beginning ideas for thesis project

[Amber Alexander]

I'll keep the explaination short, I'm working on a master's degree in Illustration specializing in Game Concept Art. Sometime next year I'll need to present a very detailed thesis proposal to my department heads. I will have 39 units (over a year) to complete my thesis project so it will need to be a very large project.

My idea so far is to create ALL the concept art for a fictional MMORPG (mainly because that is the type of company I would ideally like to work for). So far the list I've thought up to create is:

-Several classes and races with model sheets
-Lots of clothing/armor variations
-NPCs
-Creatures + Boss mobs
-zone Environments
-a Game UI
-Website
-Storyboard for the opening sequence and/or storyboard for promo video
-write a quest to go along with Epic weapon designs

So pretend you are an art director(tips from actual gaming art directors would be awesome) from a well known gaming studio and you're looking to hire a concept artist. What is missing from that list that would make me a perfect candidate to hire?

Would it be better to do all this for 1 fictional game with a ton of artwork in the same style...or would it be better to say create 3 fictional games in different styles and genres with less examples each?

[TASmith]

This is a very ambitious project. I'd try to keep is as small as possible, and really develop the core pitch ideas. By the end of this, you may have more than just a thesis - possibly a first title. Look how little info Blizzard gives when announcing a new project, such as Diablo 3 (then they add more with time).

Just a couple character classes for a start, a locale to describe, a well written introduction from one of the characters in the world, and a couple less important monsters (missing from your list). Also, write out a FAQ - as much for yourself as for the finished project. It'll help you think.

Start with that, and develop the look of it. That and, if you really want to get a good grade, think about gameplay and what people would be doing - what would be most fun. Just grinding can get tiresome. Puzzles always make a game more fun. Another thing that bugged me about some RPGS/MMORPGS is that the items are all generic. A sword in one place looks the same no matter where you buy it. Add some regional charm to all your items.

[LostFayth]

I'm planning to do something similar for my graduation project in my senior year.

I think you have thought out well what there needs to be in a mmorpg, the problem, I think, will be time. Will you be able to come up with (original) classes, creatures and all the other stuff you've listed. I think it's a bit too much.

Then again, you said it needs to be a large project. But remember, a mmorpg has a big team which has built and developed the game. You are going to do this all by yourself. I guess the biggest advise I could give you is to look what's the most important and make sure that looks great.

Now, if I was an art director I'd rather have someone being awesome in two or three things you've listed rather then being mediocre in all of them. So what I want to know is: What can you do the best and where can you show your talent? I'd say go with that rather then building an entire game by yourself.

If I had to do it and I had a year to do it in I'd go with:

- Several classes and races with model sheets
- (Lots of) clothing/armor variations
- Creatures + Boss mobs
- zone Environments
- a Game UI

Once I finished these parts with a good description and detailed concept I'd start to think about NPC's, storyboard for a promo video and writing a quest or two for the weapons.

The website should be important. It's important how you present your thesis. A great website dedicated to your game would be fantastic.


I have no experience at all with building a game from scratch nor do I know anything about US school system. I just provided you my thoughts and ideas.

I hope it was of any help. :)

[Xeon_OND]

If you're trying to get into all these game stuff, try the forums at www.Gamedev.net
There's all kinds of game artists, game developers, game designers and gaming people there, and they might be able to help better. :)

[Amber Alexander]

Thanks for comments guys. Maybe one thing I should explain is that the classes I'm allowed to take will be based on this proposal. So for instance I want to know how to do storyboarding as a concept artist, so I have to work that into the project so I can take the class. I'd also like to somehow work Matte Painting into it so I can take that class.

I already have Creature Design and Anatomy for next semester but some of the classes that I plan to take are:

Layout Design (Perspective/Enrionments)
Character Design (Model Sheets)
Digital Painting
Preproduction
Visual Elements of Story (storyboards)

Characters is what I'm good at so I will devinately make that a large part of my project but I don't want to graduate not knowing how to make a creature or a storyboard for example.

[TASmith]

Storyboard a cinematic intro. Do matte paintings for environment/level concepts. Try to make something that's never been done before.

[Qitsune]

What is important is not really the number of items but how well made and distinctive they are. Variations and multiple palettes are good too. It shows that you are conscious of the need to do more with assets, even big next gen titles try to reuse models/textures/anims.

[LostFayth]

Well....it sounds like you have a solid plan and the needed classes to support you. Give it a try. Just stay motivated and don't loose interest half way and you'll be fine :)

It would be great to see how to proceed trough your thesis. Keep us updated (in your sketchbook perhaps?) :D

[Amber Alexander]

Well....it sounds like you have a solid plan and the needed classes to support you. Give it a try. Just stay motivated and don't loose interest half way and you'll be fine :)

It would be great to see how to proceed trough your thesis. Keep us updated (in your sketchbook perhaps?) :D

That's probably what I'll do!