Environment Artist Responsibilities

For this project I was elected to be the Environment Artist, but what exactly does that mean? How does it differ from being a World Designer?

Well, opinions vary. Even top studios have interchangeable roles with interchangeable titles, which makes pinning down precise specifications for this role a bit confusing. The good news is – that means I get to decide for myself what being the Environment Artist means! Between myself and Jize, we were able to assign ourselves responsibilities where the tasks fit our overall skills.

• 3D Asset Design
  • Following the art bible and concept art to build 3D assets
  • Texture mapping
  • Scene building
  • Implementing object physics
• Layout
  • Design the map to ensure fair and balanced gameplay
• Environmental Storytelling
  • Work with the World Designer to reflect the narrative in the environment’s props and scenes
• Gameplay Harmony
  • Working with the programmer to ensure that the environment supports the mechanics

(… A slightly terrifying undertaking, seeing it all laid out.)

Jize on the other hand, as the World Designer, will be tasked with the ludo-narrative focus. He will work on story beats, character, dialogue, and how to communicate specific tasks to the player.