We knew it was coming eventually, but now we know-know and that’s twice as good. The announcement broke on Twitter because where else was it going to? The tweet belonged to BioWare creative lead and namesake of Grey Warden King of Ferelden (at least the way we played Dragon Age) Alistair McNally and it went a little something like: “I’m looking for exceptional environment artists to join me at #BioWare Edmonton, Canada to work on #DragonAge3.”
The Importance of Environment Artists
Environment Artists are all well and good, BioWare, but those three dungeons you made us traipse a million times through in Dragon Age 2 looked fairly decent. We just would have liked to see a bit more of them is all. Environment artists play a crucial role in creating immersive and visually appealing game worlds. They are responsible for designing and constructing the landscapes, buildings, and other physical features that players interact with. A well-crafted environment can significantly enhance the gaming experience by making the world feel alive and engaging.
In Dragon Age 2, while the environments were visually appealing, the repetition of certain areas detracted from the overall experience. Players often found themselves navigating the same dungeons and locations multiple times, which can become monotonous. By hiring exceptional environment artists, BioWare has the opportunity to create a more diverse and expansive world in Dragon Age 3, ensuring that players remain captivated throughout their journey.
The Role of Level Designers
So since you’re tweeting it up like it’s going out of style, maybe put the word out for some Level Designers as well? If there is such a thing as too large a variety of levels in a game, we haven’t seen it yet. Level designers are equally important in the game development process. They are responsible for creating the layout and structure of the game’s levels, ensuring that they are both challenging and enjoyable for players. A well-designed level can provide a sense of progression and accomplishment, keeping players engaged and motivated to continue playing.
In Dragon Age 2, the lack of variety in level design was a common criticism. Players often felt that the game relied too heavily on reusing the same areas, which diminished the sense of exploration and discovery. By bringing in talented level designers, BioWare can address this issue and create a more dynamic and varied game world in Dragon Age 3. This will not only enhance the overall gameplay experience but also encourage players to explore every corner of the game world.
Additionally, level designers can work closely with environment artists to ensure that the visual and structural elements of the game world complement each other. This collaboration can result in more cohesive and immersive environments that draw players into the game’s narrative and lore.
Expanding on the importance of these roles, it’s worth noting that both environment artists and level designers contribute to the storytelling aspect of a game. Through their work, they can convey the history, culture, and atmosphere of the game world, adding depth and richness to the player’s experience. For example, a well-designed castle might tell a story of a once-great kingdom now in ruins, while a dense forest could evoke a sense of mystery and danger.
The announcement of BioWare seeking exceptional environment artists for Dragon Age 3 is an exciting development for fans of the series. By focusing on creating diverse and visually stunning environments, as well as bringing in talented level designers, BioWare has the potential to deliver a truly immersive and engaging game world. We look forward to seeing what they have in store for us in Dragon Age 3.
Source Twitter
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