Commercial
Lep's World Run
art direction
motion
Overview
A 2D mobile game reimagined as a 3D world. Told through an animated pop-up book. A three-month project that expanded Nerbyte's universe for a new platform while keeping the charm that made the original work.
Client
Nerbyte GmbH
Agency
Kings & Chameleon
Team
5 Artists @ Studio Kings & Chameleon
Objective
Nerbyte, a Vienna-based game developer, expanded their mobile game series Lep's World with a fourth sequel that introduced new worlds, stories, lore, and game mechanics. To kick off the launch, they wanted a full CGI 3D trailer that would effectively showcase these new features. Kings & Chameleon was hired to handle the end-to-end production within a tight three-month deadline, covering concept, design, production, sound, voice-over, and localization.
Challenge
Our main challenge was to reimagine the game's original 2D artwork in 3D while staying true to its distinctive style. We needed to effectively showcase the expanded world, enriched story, deeper lore, and new game mechanics within a concise trailer. The tight three-month timeline added pressure to the project, requiring us to complete the entire production process swiftly. Additionally, coordinating a team of artists, managing sound and voice-over production, and overseeing daily operations within a startup environment demanded meticulous planning and seamless collaboration.
Solution
We began by conducting several online and offline meetings to thoroughly understand the client's vision and the intricacies of their product. Within the first two weeks, we proposed three initial concepts. Nerbyte selected the idea of a pop-up book as a fitting framework to showcase their expanded Lep universe. This creative approach allowed us to transition from 2D to 3D while maintaining the game's original aesthetic.
After developing the story and script, we moved on to create styleframes and animatics. Once the prototype received approval, we advanced to full production. I led a team in daily tasks involving 3D modeling, animation, shading, and rendering. Simultaneously, I coordinated the efforts of 7 artists, managed sound and voice-over production, and oversaw the day-to-day operations to ensure a smooth workflow.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
We used storyboards to develop our vision.
By this iterating and planning became more effective.
Different levels of fidelity shaped the idea.
Detailed stylesheets conveyed our vision further.
They make complex productions managable.
By effectively managing resources and maintaining clear communication, we delivered a high-quality, full CGI 3D trailer that successfully showcased the new mechanics and lore of Lep's World. The trailer stayed true to the original 2D style while bringing the expanded universe to life in 3D, all within the challenging three-month timeline.
Lep's World Run - Commercial
Personal learnings
Creative Problem-Solving
Learned how to translate artwork to a different domain without losing its original appeal by understanding the product and listening to the client's wishes.
Enhanced Leadership
Developed leadership skills by guiding an 5-artist team, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
Efficient Project Management
Gained experience in delivering a full CGI trailer within a three-month timeframe, improving organizational and time management abilities.
