Video games deserve credit for introducing us to some of pop culture’s most iconic characters. From familiar faces like Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog to newer characters such as Kratos and Cuphead, there is no shortage of stand-out personalities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These characters are intriguing, but perhaps even more noteworthy are the creative individuals behind them. Blending storytelling and artistry, character designers can bring any persona to life, delivering a deeper emotional connection and an immersive gaming experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experts believe that characters play a crucial role in determining the overall success of any given video game. Speaking to their importance, a study published in the International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Review<\/em><\/a> states, \u201cThe shaping of personality characteristics can make the image of the game character more realistic and three-dimensional, strengthen the attraction to players and drive the sales of the entire game from the perspective of the character.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you intrigued by the video game character design process? Read on to discover exciting opportunities for creating memorable game characters \u2014 and how the industry’s best and brightest designers breathe life into their creations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each character begins as a simple vision or idea, captured in the imagination of an artistic visionary. That being said, some characters are more utilitarian \u2014 created to fill specific needs in the story or world of a particular game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most characters encompass a blend of artistry and functionality, as explained in the peer-reviewed journal <\/a>Games and Culture<\/em>.<\/a> This analysis highlights the frequent \u201ccombination of a (functional) avatar and a (fictional) character pole.\u201d Done right, qualities and \u00a0traits can \u201ctransform basic character functions such as \u2018the helper\u2019 or \u2018villain\u2019\u201d into nuanced and relatable individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter how these newfound characters materialize, they must follow basic character design fundamentals. We highlighted the basics below, along with valuable character design tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a crowded industry, it is increasingly difficult for games to stand out and attract attention from their target audiences. What\u2019s one of the most effective strategies for making a splash? Creating a cast of memorable characters. This can be accomplished even without a singular, standout character. All that’s needed is a cohesive and focused art style that draws various characters together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the main hero characters (controlled by players) to non-player characters (NPCs) \u2014 and the disposable cannon fodder enemies that make up so many of our favorite games \u2014 each character must possess a unique identity while remaining true to the overarching game aesthetic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you picture iconic video game characters, who comes to mind? Perhaps you smile fondly at the thought of Mario’s familiar red and blue outfit. Also memorable are the ridiculous hair and obscenely long sword wielded by Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII<\/em>. These bold features reveal the power of foundational character design techniques. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider: Would Mario be as popular if he was outfitted in black and white? Would Cloud give off the same vibes without that shock of hair and oversized weapon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n These characters are the result of meticulous design, not to mention a keen eye and an adept sense of style. Each possesses unique visual features and a compelling backstory, complete with individual strengths and flaws, to form a fully-fleshed personality. Bold features allow designers to make the leap from aesthetic qualities to functionalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts at the National Videogame Museum<\/a> highlight Mario\u2019s use of the Japanese storytelling principle \u201ckishotenketsu,\u201d which is derived from Manga but with video games involves a \u201cfour-stage structure that introduces an idea, develops it, introduces a new twist and then gives the player a chance to demonstrate what they have learned.\u201d Even when this approach is abandoned, however (as in the \u201cunforgivingly hard Super Mario Bros. 2\u201d), a powerful character keeps the player engaged enough to work through challenging gameplay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Creativity is a must, but there is no singular or straightforward process for developing a compelling character. This is often one of the most challenging aspects of game development. Still, designers can turn to fundamentals to guide this process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Characters come in all shapes and sizes; it’s up to artists to decide if they want their creations to convey strength, speed, power or other attributes. Beyond this, character aesthetics should align with general demeanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a simple pair of sunglasses or a backward hat can convey attitude. The goal? To find that sweet spot in which players can identify with characters \u2014 but without causing characters to feel cliche or derivative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Emphasizing the fundamental role of the central concept in video game design, a BBC Bitesize<\/a> feature states, \u201cConcept artists design the world that films and games are set in, design the characters, their clothes, environments, the homes they live in, the props that they use. Everything has to be designed before the film or the game can be made.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those looking to amplify their artistic talents should expect to use today’s most cutting-edge character design tools and technologies. Designers must integrate technological prowess with artistic talent. This begins with basic sketches but eventually involves 3D modeling and rigging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While procedural character generation is here to stay, there’s no substitute for characters designed and built from the ground up by talented artists. Those with an unparalleled grasp of the language of visual design will remain a solid step ahead of the ever-evolving AI and procedural generation systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, these artistic skills will join forces with technological competencies to improve the visual design workflow. The goal, as highlighted in an Entertainment Computing<\/em><\/a> guide to procedural generation game maps<\/a>, is to develop systems that, although efficient, still value human involvement \u2014 adding that, ultimately, \u201cDesigners are the engineers of the player experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Players can learn a great deal about characters simply by observing their expressions and body language. For instance, expressive eyes or eyebrows peaked in peculiar ways can give characters a touch of flair. Similarly, an athletic stance (or intimidating presence) can help players know what to expect from the games their characters inhabit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Game Design & Development<\/em><\/a>, Lusine Ustyan explains that gestures and facial expressions are critical elements of visual design. They share fundamental features such as shape and color that will ultimately be \u201cvisually inspected by the game players.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today’s artists have a wide variety of tools and character design software solutions at their disposal. These make a difference in every phase of the creation process. While some artists prefer traditional by-hand methods, others dive fully into the digital realm. With so many ways to bring art to life, creators are only bound by the limits of their imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some early versions of character concept art involved graph paper, as artists needed to know exactly how many pixels their characters would contain. With the resurgence of retro-style pixel art in games, this method remains relevant but now involves computer software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This looks a bit different for 3D characters. Some begin life as simple drawings on a page but eventually make the leap into the third dimension. Others are created entirely within graphic design software, illustrating that there is no one ‘right’ form of artistic expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most successful solutions integrate human ingenuity with technological efficiency. Emerging engines highlighted by the BBC<\/a> \u201callow developers to add realism to game worlds and emotional depth to characters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The world’s most popular video game characters navigated several phases of iteration and refinement before they became the titans we know today. Some refinements occur because artists’ visions change. Others involve more practical, game-related purposes. A character may become shorter or taller in order to fit the physical game world better \u2014 or may receive a color swap to stand out on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking to the importance of iteration in all aspects of game design, an NPR discussion<\/a> on game economics illuminates that an iterative approach limits the need for \u201cspend[ing] years working on an update and hoping players will like it,\u201d instead granting the \u201c\u00a0ability to tweak things, to change paths.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, a strong concept can form an essential foundation amongst all these potential changes. As Wailin Wong puts it, \u201cOne of the big things that \u2026 a lot of game developers have found is that players really like cosmetics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The expression “show, don’t tell” applies to not only television and movies but also video game art design. Characters who exude personality are more likely to become fan favorites than those who require long-winded monologues. Therein lies the need for nuanced storytelling, along with practical tools such as character design reference sketches to help bring fledgling ideas to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the original God of War<\/em> on PlayStation 2, the main character, Kratos, is cursed to have the ashes of his deceased family bonded to his skin. This ashen appearance earns him the nickname “Ghost of Sparta” and is a perfect example of integrating storytelling into the design of a character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small but meaningful\u00a0touches can add an extra layer of depth to characters and make it easier for players to form emotional connections. Ultimately, the character\u2019s design and the narrative have a two-way relationship, capable of strengthening one another while elevating gameplay. As an analysis created for the Graphics Interface Conference<\/a> 2018 explains, \u201cWell-designed characters are the foundation of storytelling in many different digital media formats. In most games, the experience of such characters is crucial to the immersion in games.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Artists must be mindful of genre-specific concerns\u00a0when designing their characters. Otherwise,\u00a0they run the risk of confusing or distracting players.\u00a0A guide to genre theory published in the Athens Journal of Mass Media and Communications<\/em><\/a> asserts that \u201cplayers should instantly recognize a genre of game, characterized by a particular style.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A relatable example of this phenomenon is Japanese role-playing game (RPG) characters, notorious for their flashy outfits \u2014 loaded with unnecessary buckles and straps \u2014 and their impractical armor. Fans adore this flair, yet it would be out of place in any other genre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several video game characters qualify as pop culture icons due to their compelling designs. Future gaming innovators can draw character design inspiration from these icons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boasting the world’s most famous mustache, Super Mario has evolved from his humble beginnings in Donkey Kong<\/em> to the star of his own smash-hit movie. Through the decades, Mario has undergone several transformations, making the leap from early 2D games into 3D and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features include Mario’s\u00a0red and blue outfit (reflecting the power of color theory in character design), plus an M-adorned hat and that\u00a0unmistakable mustache. As a BBC retrospective<\/a> explains, these elements helped creator Shigeru Miyamoto achieve the ultimate goal of forming an instantly recognizable \u201cprotagonist that could make recurring cameos across different games.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PlayStation generation brought 3D graphics to the mainstream \u2014 and few characters benefited more\u00a0than Lara Croft. At the time of its release in 1996,\u00a0Tomb Raider<\/em>\u00a0was one of few games to feature a strong\u00a0female protagonist. Her dual pistols and cunning demeanor made her a true standout and an inspiration to this day. Perhaps this explains why, during the 20th Bafta Game Awards<\/a>, Lara Croft was deemed the \u201cmost iconic video game character of all time.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The original Xbox launched with arguably the best “killer app” ever:\u00a0Bungie’s\u00a0Halo<\/em>. While many other games have\u00a0employed the silent protagonist,\u00a0Master Chief exudes a level of cool and confidence that few can match.\u00a0Gaming reporter Steffan Powell<\/a> even tells BBC that Master Chief has \u201cbecome synonymous with Microsoft’s console.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When bringing the literary sensation The Witcher<\/em> to the gaming world, designers faced the challenge of conveying Geralt of Rivia’s rugged personality while adding a touch of fantasy mystique. He came to life with help from his silver hair, a deep vertical scar, and even a wolf medallion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These small details make a world of difference, as expressed in an NPR feature<\/a> about the game\u2019s storytelling genius: \u201cIt is rare for a big game to be so focused on the small things. Exceedingly<\/em> rare for it to be made up, more or less, of a thousand trivial, funny, sad, often pointless stories which all, in their way, cut the path that the plot will ultimately follow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talented game designers are happy to share insights into their sources of inspiration and even their workflows. To that end, we’ve compiled helpful quotes and advice from the industry’s most dynamic designers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stating in his social media bio, “I like belts and zippers,” Tetsuya Nomura provides the perfect example of Japan’s flamboyant RPG style. He credits his background in advertising artwork for helping his work as a video game designer stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an\u00a0interview marking the 30th anniversary<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0Final Fantasy VI<\/em>, Nomura explained, “I liked to make [planning documents]\u00a0as if I was going to use them in a presentation \u2014 I wrote the text by hand, including my fair share of pictures, and I tried to make the letters really stand out.” He adds that this was a collaborative experience: “Everybody pitched in when it came to brainstorming ideas.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s no denying that Shigeru Miyamoto has a knack for creating relatable characters. Speaking with NPR<\/a>, he says, “Mario became so popular because the actions in the Mario game are something that are innate to humans everywhere.” He highlighted the instinctual fear of falling from a great height, adding that the\u00a0“simplicity of these experiences as well as the interactive nature of controlling the character \u2026 resonated with people.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Credited with sparking the game industry’s most recognizable artwork,\u00a0Yoji Shinkawa explained in an interview for the\u00a0PlayStation official blog<\/a>\u00a0that, while different projects call for different creative processes, he prefers to\u00a0“draw many doodle-like, rough sketches to hone in on the image \u2026 I draw the designs on paper with a pencil or brush pen, scan the designs and then make adjustments in Photoshop.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n As both a comic book artist and a video game developer, Joe Madureira understands the power of a well-written character but also recognizes there are many ways to unleash this power. In an interview shared on the\u00a0PlayStation blog<\/a>, he reveals that, while the process often begins with a defined theme,\u00a0“sometimes we just start drawing something cool and see where it takes us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The character design fundamentals described above are ever-relevant, but adjustments can be expected as new styles and technologies enter the picture. Tomorrow’s characters will bring greater diversity to the gaming landscape, reflecting a range of identities and experiences so that players from all walks of life can form meaningful connections. Meanwhile, technological advancements will streamline critical tasks and processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Character design trends largely fall into one of two main categories: diversity and cutting-edge technology. Inclusive representation is a clear priority, with new characters reflecting a broader base of players. Additionally, development teams are seeking greater diversity, as this will help them create more relatable characters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Artificial intelligence (AI) also looms large, and while skeptics worry that this technology will drain the creativity from game character design, it may provide valuable assistance with the more time-consuming aspects of design (like voice modulation). This may free up designers to focus more on storytelling so they can foster stronger emotional connections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An analysis published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)<\/a> describes how cutting-edge tools can play a valuable role in helping games feel more immersive: \u201cModern computer games achieve the realism of games by integrating graphics, physics and artificial intelligence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even as video games evolve, players will continue to crave relatable and memorable characters. Skilled character artists are in strong demand \u2014 but aspiring professionals can gain an edge by honing their artistic skills and especially by getting comfortable using advanced technological tools. The right degree program can make all the difference by offering a strong foundation in character rigging, visual storytelling, and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you aspire to follow in the footsteps of the greatest game designers? Prepare for a bright future with\u00a0Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. Our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game Arts can be pursued\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0on campus<\/a>; either way, students stand to gain a rich understanding of the creative concepts and practical techniques that lead to\u00a0iconic game characters.\u00a0Reach out today<\/a>\u00a0to learn more.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Video games deserve credit for introducing us to some of pop culture’s most iconic characters. From familiar faces like Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog to newer characters such as Kratos and Cuphead, there is no shortage of stand-out personalities. These characters are intriguing, but perhaps even more noteworthy are the creative individuals behind them. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":84834,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84833","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-game-art"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding the Fundamentals of Character Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Role of Character Design in Games<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Key Elements of Memorable Characters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Techniques for Designing Compelling Game Characters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Developing a Strong Concept<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Streamlining\u00a0Visual Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Expression and Body Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tools and Techniques for Character Creation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional vs. Digital Character Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Iteration and Refinement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Enhancing Character Depth and Engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Integrating Storytelling Into Character Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Designing for Different Game Genres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Case Studies: Iconic Game Characters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mario from the Super Mario Series<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider Series<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Master Chief from the Halo Series<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher Series<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interviews With Professional Character Designers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Interview with Tetsuya Nomura (Character Designer for\u00a0Final Fantasy<\/em>\u00a0Series)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview with Shigeru Miyamoto (Creator of Mario and The Legend of Zelda)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview with Yoji Shinkawa (Character Designer for\u00a0Metal Gear Solid<\/em>\u00a0Series)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview with Joe Madureira (Comic Book Artist, Creator of\u00a0Battle Chasers<\/em>\u00a0and Character Designer for\u00a0Darksiders<\/em>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Future of Character Design in Gaming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Emerging Trends and Technologies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preparing for a Career in Character Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bring Character Design Ideas to\u00a0Life With RMCAD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n