Lost Twins 2 News

Hi gamers!

Welcome to another devlog as we share our creative journey. Today, we will be focusing on the character expressions for our beloved character, Ben. Within our project, each smile, every frown, and every subtle nuance contributes to enhancing the storytelling journey. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final flourish of the digital brush, join us as we explore the intricate process of breathing life into our character.

We wanted to breathe life into our characters with a wide array of emotions. To achieve this, we deliberately exaggerated their expressions, allowing them to convey feelings in a visually compelling manner. We aimed for the character to evoke a spectrum of emotions, adding depth and charm. Our goal was to infuse them with childlike innocence, making them irresistibly endearing.

Keyframes for Animation:

To ensure seamless storytelling, we meticulously designed keyframes for every action. Each movement demanded a corresponding expression that not only conveyed the action but also amplified its appeal. From joyous leaps to timid hesitations, every emotion was meticulously crafted to enhance the narrative.

Tools and Techniques:

Harnessing the versatility of digital art, we utilized the Procreate app on iPad to bring our characters to life. The intuitive interface and robust features empowered us to explore a myriad of expressions seamlessly, breathing life into our creations with ease.

Here’s what our character expression sheet looks like



Stay tuned for more adventures and insights as we continue to bring our characters to life with every stroke of the digital brush. Until next time!

Best regards,
Playdew Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Hi guys!

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes journey of crafting captivating video shots for our game's content. In this devlog, we invite you to delve into the intricate process of transforming ideas into visually stunning representations that capture the essence of our game. From storyboard development to meticulous modeling and texture crafting, each step plays a crucial role in shaping the immersive world we're building. Join us as we unravel the creative journey behind the scenes, showcasing the passion and dedication poured into every detail to bring our vision to life.

Here's how we brought our game shots to life.

Lockout Storyboard Development:
We started with crafting a comprehensive lockout storyboard consisting of the shots that lay the foundation for the visual narrative of the game. Concurrently, we curated relevant references to shape the architectural style guide, ensuring consistency and authenticity in our design approach.

Concept Art and 3D Blockout:
Building upon the storyboard, we translated the concepts into basic yet impactful visual representations through concept art for the three distinct blocks. This simplicity harmonized seamlessly with the game's overarching vision. Subsequently, we embarked on the process of blocking out the 3D elements, utilizing Unity as the primary platform due to its seamless integration with our workflow and the specific demands of the game.



Modeling and Texturing:
The foundational modeling phase unfolded within 3ds Max, complemented by texturing endeavors in both Photoshop and Substance. As the blockout and camera tests materialized within Unity, ensuring a visually captivating composition, we delved into detailing the modular kit. Basic models were sculpted in 3ds Max, employing techniques such as Trim Dynamic for edges and Orb brushes for surface cracks.



Low-Poly Modeling and Texture Baking:
Subsequent to the detailing phase, we transitioned to crafting low-poly models and executing texture baking using Substance. Custom smart materials were developed to enhance visual fidelity. The assembly of the modular kit seamlessly transpired within Unity, accompanied by meticulous lighting setups employing spotlights and point lights to cultivate the desired ambiance.

Cloud Aesthetics and Sky Enhancement:
Exploring various methods to capture the essence of cloud aesthetics, we experimented extensively until devising an innovative Alpha plan approach. By painting clouds onto alpha planes and implementing a custom shader for movement, we achieved dynamic and immersive cloudscapes. The speed and wave form adjustments enabled precise control over foreground and background clouds, tailored to each block's camera angle.

Visual Refinement and Color Correction:
To elevate the sky's presence, a custom cube map was meticulously painted in Photoshop, infusing the scene with atmospheric depth. Finally, leveraging Unity’s post-processing tools,we conducted comprehensive color correction, harmonizing the entire scene to deliver a cohesive and captivating visual experience.



Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights, where we continue to craft moments that blur the line between reality and imagination. Until then, keep dreaming and animating!

Best regards,
Playdew team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Hi guys!

Welcome to another devlog where we delve into the animation process for our characters. In this devlog, we're focusing on the step-by-step journey of creating captivating character animations that seamlessly blends realism and creativity.

At the core of our animation prowess lie two extraordinary tools: Spine, our gateway to three-dimensional wizardry and lifelike motion, and After Effects, our secret ingredient that adds an extra layer of enchantment to our visual symphonies.

Our animation process begins by bringing characters to life. We start with simple line art and carefully fill it with vibrant colors. Each part of the character is like a canvas, where we add facial features that express emotions for our audience to connect with. Finally, the finished artwork is divided into sections, all set for the rigging process.

Rigging:

We take our characters off the flat paper and make them 3D using rigging. We use a special tool called Spine for this. In Spine, we use some fancy tricks like bones, skins, and meshes with rules to make things look super real. Imagine our characters having their own muscles and joints! This makes them move just like real people or animals. It's like giving them a special framework that lets them come to life, allowing the character to move realistically.

Keyframing:

Next, we decide on important poses for our characters. These poses are like freeze-frames that show their movements. It's like telling a story with pictures. These special poses help our characters move in a way that looks right and feels good.

In-betweening:

But smooth movement needs some extra help. We add more frames between those special poses to make the motion nice and smooth. It's like adding those little moments when our characters take breaths or move just a tiny bit. This makes their animation look really natural.

Polishing:

Lastly, we pay attention to the small details. We make sure everything looks perfect. We adjust how fast they move, how their arms and legs bend, and even how they slow down or speed up. This step makes sure our character movements look just like real life.



Here’s a short video showing the process:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights, where we continue to craft moments that blur the line between reality and imagination. Until then, keep dreaming and animating!

Best regards,
Playdew team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Greetings, fellow adventurers!

Today, we embark on an exhilarating journey as we unveil a captivating feature: the Concept Arts Gallery. This gallery promises users a unique experience, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the creative odyssey of game development.

Our vision for this feature transcends mere gameplay; it aims to immerse players not only in the final product but also in the enthralling voyage that birthed it. In our game, feathers serve as collectibles, strategically placed within each level. However, we wanted these feathers to symbolize more than mere adornments; they embody a currency, unlocking something truly special for our users. Thus, the Concept Arts Gallery was born.

Carefully crafting each level, our primary focus remains on delivering engaging puzzles without allowing feathers to detract from the core gameplay. Scattered throughout every level, these feathers beckon players with a secondary objective—to collect and unlock the hidden treasures of our creative journey. Upon amassing three feathers, a unique concept art piece is unveiled in the Gallery, offering players an intimate peek into our evolution from inception to realization.



We're exhilarated by the potential of this feature to forge deeper connections between players and our game. By providing a window into the evolution of our ideas, from raw concept to polished product, we aim to enrich the overall gaming experience, fostering immersion and reward.

In the weeks ahead, our efforts will be dedicated to refining the implementation of this feature, ensuring that the process of collecting feathers and unlocking concept art seamlessly integrates within the gameplay loop. We eagerly anticipate witnessing how players respond to this unprecedented glimpse behind the scenes of our game's development.

Embark with us on this thrilling adventure, as we explore the boundless realms of creativity and imagination.

See you next week!

Best regards,
Playdew team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/

Dear Gamers,

Get ready to hear some exciting updates to our beloved game characters.In this devlog, we're thrilled to share the intricate details of our latest enhancements in response to player feedback and our relentless pursuit of excellence. Brace yourselves for a journey through the realms of design innovation as we delve into the evolution of our characters.

We've undergone a comprehensive revamp of our characters, focusing on two key areas: adding outlines for optimal visibility across all screen resolutions and implementing various visual enhancements to infuse more personality and definition into our characters.


1. Prominent Outlines for Consistent Visibility:
One of the primary challenges we aimed to address was ensuring that our characters maintained their visual appeal across different screen resolutions. To achieve this, we introduced prominent outlines that effectively highlight the contours and details of each character. By carefully selecting outline thickness and color, we’ve managed to enhance visibility without compromising the integrity of our character designs. Now, whether playing on a large monitor or a mobile device, players can enjoy crisp and clear character visuals that truly stand out against any background.

2. Visual Enhancements for Added Personality:
In addition to outlining, we’ve implemented a series of visual enhancements to inject more personality and definition into our characters. From subtle facial expressions to nuanced animations, we’ve focused on refining every aspect of our characters’ appearances to make them more lifelike and engaging. Whether it’s a twinkle in the eye or a playful smirk, these enhancements contribute to a richer and more immersive gaming experience, allowing players to connect with our characters on a deeper level.





Looking Ahead:
The revamping of our game characters marks just the beginning of our ongoing efforts to enhance the visual quality and overall experience of our game. As we continue to iterate and refine, we’re excited to explore further opportunities for innovation and creativity.


Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this journey of continual improvement and innovation!

Best regards,
Playdew team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1752540/Lost_Twins_II/