When we set out to create Star Birds, one of our primary goals was to deliver a visually stunning experience. We were heavily inspired by the distinct and captivating art style of Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell. Their unique blend of vibrant colors, clean lines, and intricate yet simplified designs felt like the perfect fit for our cosmic mining adventure.
Adapting a 2D animation style to a 3D interactive game environment presented several exciting challenges. Our artists and designers worked tirelessly to translate the essence of Kurzgesagt's aesthetic into game assets, environments, and character models while ensuring optimal performance and playability.
From Concept to Cosmos
The process began with extensive concept art, exploring how the signature "blob" characters, detailed machinery, and expansive cosmic backdrops would look and feel in a game. We focused on maintaining the distinctive color palettes and minimalistic texturing that make the style so recognizable.
One of the key elements was the design of the asteroids and celestial bodies. Instead of hyper-realistic textures, we opted for stylized, almost illustrative surfaces, allowing for clear visual cues for mining and exploration. The goal was to create a universe that felt both vast and approachable.
Bringing Life to the Universe
Animation played a crucial role in bringing the Kurzgesagt style to life in Star Birds. We developed fluid, expressive animations for our mining drones, player characters, and environmental elements that echoed the smooth, deliberate movements seen in Kurzgesagt's videos. Every explosion, every resource collection, and every ship movement was carefully crafted to feel impactful and visually satisfying.
The user interface also received the same meticulous attention. We designed clean, intuitive UI elements that seamlessly integrated with the game's art style, ensuring that information was presented clearly without cluttering the beautiful visuals.
The Result: A Unique Visual Journey
We are incredibly proud of the visual identity we've forged for Star Birds. It's a testament to our team's dedication to quality and our passion for creating a game that not only plays well but also looks stunning. We believe the "Kurzgesagt-inspired" art style helps Star Birds stand out, offering players a unique and memorable journey through the cosmos.
We hope you enjoy exploring the vibrant universe of Star Birds as much as we enjoyed creating it!