Chessarama News

Welcome back to Checkmate Chronicles, the devlog series where we unveil the behind-the-scenes of Chessarama's development process! Today, we’ll dive into the creative process behind the redesign of the board in our Chess Match game mode.

[h2]Starting point: a simple and functional board[/h2]

Every great journey begins with a single step, and ours started with a simple and functional board created on a provisional basis.

However, it didn’t capture the essence of Chessarama. It was necessary to elevate its standard and grant it the deserved brilliance.

Old version of the board. We had created a simple and functional version, but it was necessary to elevate its standard to reach the level of quality we aspire to in Chessarama.

[h2]Transformation step by step[/h2]

We kicked off the transformation by creating seven different variations for the new board. Each of them explored distinct possibilities, varying in the colors of the board, the tiles, the materials, as well as details in the finish, unleashing the first wave of changes.

After this exploration, we decided to iterate on more subtle and less realistic textures, seeking a more stylized approach.

Initial concepts for the board’s redesign exploring variations of colors, textures, and modeling.

One of the most valuable insights from this initial exploration was the decision to position the coordinates directly on the board, providing a more integrated interface and avoiding reading issues due to contrast changes.

We still had doubts about the blue colors on the tiles, an issue we knew would only be resolved with direct testing in the game engine.

Variations of concepts exploring the board in white and blue, but that presented a reading problem with low contrast from the tile selection hover.

[h2]Rethinking the chess board design[/h2]

Moving forward, we experimented with a more rounded format for the board, a significant change that set us on the path to the final version.

We liked the new shapes, and the next iteration brought the board back to a lighter background, with refined edges and a sculpting work to add volume and contrast.

First concept of the board with rounded edges, which set us on the path to the final version.

After this test, we decided that we would iterate on the shapes of the board and on the small volumetric details in the coordinates, which added a refined touch to the design.

[h2]The final adjustments[/h2]

We explored more neutral options for the board, seeking a balance that contrasted with the cheerful and colorful background, characteristic of Chessarama.

We chose to follow the direction of option 4, deepening our tests in textures and materials.

One of the last explorations of different colors and materials of the board before reaching the final result.

[h2]From vision to reality: the new board[/h2]

After several iterations and meticulous adjustments, we reached the final version of the board. It was completely revamped, from the initial concept to the final modeling and texturing.

We adjusted the camera position and refined the lighting, all to ensure an impeccable and joyful visual experience, worthy of the Chessarama universe.



We hope you enjoyed following the journey of the Chess Match board’s transformation!

It was a work filled with dedication and meticulous attention to detail. And we can’t wait to share more behind-the-scenes stories with you in the upcoming posts. 💙

Don’t forget to add Chessarama to your Wishlist, and let us know in the comments: which part of Chessarama’s development would you like to know more about in the next chapter of Checkmate Chronicles?

Until the next chapter and game on! ♟️

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1831830/Chessarama/

We’re super excited to finally announce Chessarama’s release date! 💙

Be ready on December 5th to solve puzzles, face challenges, play matches, top the Leaderboard, and much more. ♟️



[h2]Join us in celebrating this milestone by checking out our exclusive announcement trailer:[/h2]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Get ready for an immersive chess experience like never before. The countdown has begun, and the chessboard is primed for battle!

Don’t forget to add Chessarama to your wishlist to be notified when it officially releases, and be one of the first to play this incredible game!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1831830/Chessarama/

See you on the board! ♟️

In their ongoing quest to refine Chessarama, the next target of our Art Team was the dioramas in Lady Ronin! ⚔️

Lady Ronin is one of the games from Campaign Mode. It’s designed to immerse players in a world inspired by feudal Japan. In this epic journey, our protagonist is a legendary Ronin on a mission to destroy an evil and unfair Shogun.

Keep reading today’s Checkmate Chronicles to discover the secrets behind the creation of Lady Ronin!



[h2]Setting the scene: illuminating the world of Lady Ronin[/h2]

Our dioramas are deeply inspired by the Japanese culture. To kickstart this exciting transformation, our Art Team embarked on an illuminating endeavor to harmonize the visuals, crafting an immersive experience that perfectly captures the essence of Lady Ronin's world.

Some features we introduced were captivating god rays to our morning scenes, and enchanting particles to our night scenes:



[h2]Cherry blossom dreams: reimagining the landscape[/h2]

As we worked to enhance the atmosphere of the game, we found inspiration in nature itself. While previously Lady Ronin's trees traditionally sported an orange palette, we recognized the need to align with the serene beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms! 🌸

Our Art Team undertook the task of transforming the tree color palette to capture the essence of these delicate blooms:



[h2]Crafting Lady Ronin's World[/h2]

At Chessarama, not only biggest changes are made; our meticulous Art Team is equally dedicated to refining each level.

Consider, for instance, our approach to water shading. By introducing a more "stylized" touch, we've transformed the visual aesthetic, ensuring a harmonious fit within the game's world! 🌊



But we didn't stop there; the magic of Chessarama often lies in the subtleties. Our night levels, too, received an artful upgrade. Beyond the addition of particles, we took care to populate these levels with additional assets. In levels that are missing a verdant life, we introduced lush vegetation, enriching the surroundings. In others, a delicate touch of blue fog now shrouds the water, evoking an alluring ambiance.



It's our attention to detail that enchants Chessarama. In the end, the metamorphosis of Lady Ronin's dioramas serves as a testament to our commitment to delivering an authentic and captivating experience for our players. 💙



Stay tuned as we continue to infuse life and culture into the world of Chessarama!

And don't forget to add Chessarama to your Wishlist:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1831830/Chessarama/

We'd also love to hear from you: what would you like to know more about Chessarama for the next chapter of Checkmate Chronicles? Write in the comments below!

See you soon! ♟️

Welcome back to Checkmate Chronicles, where we unveil the intriguing transformation tales behind the development of Chessarama!

For this chapter, we're shining the spotlight on a critical aspect of any game — the User Interface (UI). Strap in, as we journey from the wireframes of the past to our vibrant new designs. Ready to experience this visual transformation? 🖌️

[h2]Exploring the art of usability[/h2]

The UI in a game acts as the gateway to its essence. When well-executed, it weaves effortlessly into gameplay, enhancing immersion and user experience.
Our team embarked on a mission to redesign Chessarama’s entire UI, aiming for an interface that wasn’t just visually appealing, but also sparkled with joy and improved usability.

The UI's new version boasts a cohesive design, with recurring components that create a stronger visual identity. By maintaining consistency, we've ensured that interactive elements are instantly recognizable, thus elevating the overall user experience.

[h2]A deep dive into the new designs[/h2]

Main Menu: With the game title taking its rightful place and the repositioned buttons aligned to the left, our main menu promises enhanced readability, providing the perfect gateway to our game.



Campaign Level Select: The improvements include a clearer indication of the status of the levels (locked, completed, all challenges made), a better contrast between text and background, and a more intuitive pagination.



Set Selection — Chess Match: On the new version, players can instantly see all sets available to select and easily identify that “Play a Match” is a button.



Gameplay — Campaign: On-screen displays now keep players informed about the current game mode and level. The “Close” button also features a more user-friendly text.



Gameplay — Battles: Enhanced button visibility, improved contrast, and a more user-friendly input indication system form the core of this overhaul.



Results — Battles: Now there’s a differentiation between challenges that were completed previously and on the current run. Badges mark level/match completion and all challenges completion. And it is clear which chess set will be received for completing all challenges of each Battle mode.



Pause Menu: The revamped pause menu is more clean, with game stats removed from it (since it is now available on the Level Select when accessed via gameplay) for improved clarity and user flow.



Profile: The new profile shows the player progress and stats in a more joyful way on the new layout, with more images and the information better grouped and organized.



Collection: The Collection has been refined, featuring grayscale for locked items, clear unlock conditions, and an expanded set view within the same screen for effortless navigation.



[h2]An interface transformed[/h2]

Our UI redesign didn't merely focus on aesthetic touch-ups. Every screen underwent a transformation, raising the quality and consistency bar. Addressing previously identified usability issues, we've strived to make your Chessarama journey smoother and more delightful!

As always, we cherish the support and enthusiasm from our community. Feel free to drop your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. And if you haven't already, remember to add Chessarama to your wishlist!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1831830/Chessarama/

Until our next chronicle, keep strategizing and enjoy the revamped experience! 💙

See you soon on the board. ♟️

In the quest to evolve and perfect the visual storytelling of Chessarama, our Art Team has continuously faced challenges and puzzles off the board.

The primary question was: how do we keep players visually engaged, level after level?
In this episode of Checkmate Chronicles, we'll delve into the visual progression of the Dragon Slayers levels.


[h2]The Chessarama canvas: a unique approach for Dragon Slayers[/h2]

In Chessarama's Campaign Mode, players have been treated to a diverse visual landscape that shifts with time: from the morning serenity of Farm Life to the twilight ambiance of Lady Ronin, and the sunset energy of Street Soccer.
Each game has employed a day-to-night transition to mark the player’s progression.


However, for Dragon Slayers, we took a different path. Instead of using times of the day as milestones, we leaned into the increasing challenges and the escalating path of destruction caused by the dragon.

The initial levels present a more "peaceful" atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the later stages overwhelmed with a "dark" mood, echoing the fire and devastation brought upon the kingdom by the dragon.


This shift wasn't just about aesthetics but was a conscious attempt to align the visual narrative with the game's rising difficulty and evolving storyline.

[h2]Initial choices and revisions[/h2]

Our beginning was uncomplicated but lacked movement - a single brown shade was used for the entire Dragon Slayers background:


This palette provided a harmonious look, yet missed the dynamism we sought.

The aim was to transition from lighter to darker tones. Thus, starting with a serene blue seemed like a logical step. However, it became apparent that it resembled our "Lady Ronin" theme too closely, prompting us to change direction:


[h2]Diving deeper into color choices[/h2]

Committed to finding the ideal palette, we ventured beyond primary colors, diving deep into various tones, illuminations, temperatures, and saturations. We ran different tests that included trying out different lighting scenarios, exterior floor color, and post-processing profiles.
Here are some ideas that we explored:

We tried using different shades of blue and brown. For the final levels, we initially tried cooler colors with a low value.

[h2]Final palette: a descent into chaos[/h2]

We settled on a visual sequence involving three color shifts.
It begins with a subdued purple-blue that focuses attention on the board, transitioning to an orange-filled light as lava engulfs the diorama.

This shift isn't solely about aesthetics; it carries symbolism, reflecting the gameplay's increasing stakes.


The endeavor to redesign the Dragon Slayers background was a genuine challenge, but the end result was undoubtedly worth it:



Through meticulous design, color theory, and multiple iterations, we've sculpted a landscape that tells the Dragon Slayers' tale.

We hope that as players strategize their moves, they're equally immersed in the dynamically evolving world we've crafted!

We’re loving to share our artist process with you! Stay tuned for more insights behind Chessarama. 💙

And don't forget to add Chessarama to your Wishlist!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1831830/Chessarama/

We'd also love to hear from you: what would you like to know more about in the “Behind the scenes” of Chessarama for the next chapter of Checkmate Chronicles? Put in the comments below!

See you soon! ♟️