Revamped Suit Design & Backpack Upgrade in Telltale's The Expanse

Telltale Games and Deck Nine are currently developing The Expanse: A Telltale Series, a video game based on the popular sci-fi show. The game follows the adventures of Camina Drummer, the Executive Officer of the Artemis, a scavenging ship exploring the outer regions of the Belt in search of new opportunities. In an interview with Game Rant, Art Director Emerson Oaks and Lead Environmental Artist Tommy Spampinato discussed their creative process for the game, highlighting the thought and effort put into designing the characters' suits and backpacks. While staying true to the TV series, Oaks and Spampinato also introduced fresh elements to make the design unique and visually captivating for players.

The Expanse is a captivating American science fiction TV show based on the acclaimed book series by James S. A. Corey. It takes place in a future where humanity has successfully colonized the Solar System, while also facing the threat of a conspiracy that could shatter the system's fragile state of cold war. Meanwhile, the discovery of alien technology leads the show's diverse protagonists to question their own existence and purpose. The show is highly regarded for its engrossing storytelling, which delves into themes of politics, mystery, and the human condition.

The game version of The Expanse is a thrilling prequel that takes place years before the TV show. Players will embark on a treacherous journey aboard The Artemis with Camina Drummer, portrayed by Cara Gee, exploring the perilous and unexplored regions of The Belt. The game challenges players to make difficult decisions that will shape the outcome, from navigating zero-gravity wrecks to facing mutinies and battling formidable pirates.

As a prequel, the game offers developers significant artistic freedom to bring the world of The Expanse to life while maintaining authenticity and continuity with the show's rich history. Drawing inspiration from the established universe, the developers added layers of depth to the characters' journeys, resulting in a game that honors the essence of The Expanse while offering fresh perspectives and imaginative storytelling.

Spampinato emphasized how the distinctive visual styles of The Expanse had a significant impact on the team's design approach during the discussion. The team carefully crafted Belter ships with an exposed wire and compact layout, conveying a feeling of confinement. On the other hand, UNN ships were designed with a bulkier, pristine appearance, while MCRN ships had a sleek and streamlined aesthetic. By staying true to each faction's unique ship design, the team ensured players could easily distinguish and identify the various types of ships they encountered, further enhancing immersion and recognition within the game world.

"The backpack design was a constantly evolving process that had to be finalized with functionality in mind. In the final stages of development, we made significant changes to the design to ensure it complemented the overall game experience. We wanted to create a backpack that not only looked great but also provided crucial information such as oxygen levels and other illuminated indicators. This adaptability was essential to ensure that players had an immersive and seamless experience throughout the game."

During the design process, the team realized that certain functionality was necessary for the backpack, but space was limited. This required them to go back to the drawing board and incorporate the functionality without compromising the streamlined design. However, this is all part of the game design process, as the team constantly adapts and makes changes as time goes on. Moreover, the team also meticulously designed the game's setting, taking into account the vastness of space and using it as an opportunity to experiment with sci-fi corridors and modular artwork. The setting has a significant impact on gameplay, influencing how players interact with their environment.

"They aimed to create a user-friendly environment that offers a range of engaging activities, including various points of interest that draw players towards different gaming zones."

The team faced unique challenges when creating a zero gravity environment in The Expanse, such as ensuring fluid movement and preventing obstacles from hindering player progress. While color-coding surfaces was initially considered, it proved to be inadequate and the team ultimately relied on a HUD and reticle to provide seamless guidance. Spampinato reflected on the difficulty of balancing smooth gameplay with a realistic depiction of a wrecked space environment, but ultimately found it to be a fun challenge. Oaks emphasized the importance of staying faithful to the beloved source material while also meeting the expectations of the passionate fanbase.

We understood the fervor and enthusiasm of The Expanse fans because we are fans ourselves. The expectations of delivering an exceptional gaming experience are high, and it comes with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Our aim was to showcase our genuine admiration for The Expanse and prove that we are no different from any other passionate fan. The game will be launched on July 27, 2023, and will be accessible on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.