Unlocking the Power of Red, Green, and Blue Magic in Aveum
Learn about the fascinating world of magic in Immortals of Aveum! One of the game's developers explains how they implemented and designated red, green, and blue magic in an exciting interview with Game Rant
Ascendant Studios is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated project, Immortals of Aveum. The announcement of the game was made at The Game Awards 2022 and is currently being directed by Bret Robbins, former creative director of Dead Space. In a recent interview with Jim Ingraham, UI Lead at Ascendant Studios, Game Rant discovered the collaborative effort between the UI team and the designations of red, blue, and green magic to create a visually cohesive and immersive experience. Ingraham revealed that the team's ultimate goal was to blend high fantasy and military operations, resulting in a truly unique gaming experience.
In the world of Immortals of Aveum, a constant battle for magical supremacy rages on. Players are taken on an exhilarating journey with Jak, as he joins the Order of Immortals on a mission to defeat the Rasharnian nation. What makes Jak unique is that he is a Triarch Magnus, a rare spellcaster who can wield the power of red, blue, and green magic. As players progress through this single-player game, they will uncover and utilize Jak's magical abilities to conquer enemies while uncovering a captivating storyline that defies traditional FPS standards.
Ingraham highlighted the significance of developing a modern and distinctive aesthetic for the UI design that complements the game's themes, which balance military and high fantasy elements. The UI design follows a streamlined and focused approach while incorporating magical elements. According to Ingraham, the most crucial aspect was to create something innovative and original that also resonates with the game's essence. It was crucial to maintain the utility of military style, which is clean, focused, and serves its purpose effectively. However, the design needed to offer a touch of magic and uniqueness, which was the most challenging aspect of the project.
The UI design process for the upcoming FPS game heavily relied on shape language, according to Ingraham. The team, including art director Dave Bogan, understood the significance of incorporating shapes that aligned with the essence of each magic color in Immortals of Aveum. To represent the intensity and aggression associated with the color red, sharp triangular elements were used, evoking a sense of power and fierce determination that matches red magic's destructive power. On the other hand, to embody green magic's connection to nature and life, amorphous and round motifs were used, symbolizing organic forms and fluidity. Lastly, cubed shapes were used to depict blue magic, associated with order and structure, representing stability and precision. The UI design in Immortals of Aveum skillfully pairs color and shape to create a harmonious and visually appealing connection between the magic system and the player's interaction with it. Ingraham emphasized that the team made sure to pair color and shape carefully, not solely relying on color to convey ideas of chaos, magic, and life magic. Blue was given a Force aspect, and it paired well with the chosen design elements.
The implementation of shape language in UI design exemplifies Ascendant Studios' dedication to delivering a distinctive and captivating user experience. Meticulous attention to detail has been given to the visual representation of each magical color, thereby fostering a stronger emotional connection between players and the world of Immortals of Aveum. By working in tandem with the game's red, blue, and green magic designations, the UI team has added an extra layer of complexity and authenticity to the gaming experience.
The spells featured in Immortals of Aveum offer players a plethora of options and functionality, while also highlighting their unique shape language and color. As players acquire different Sigils, they will notice how each one represents a distinct spell and how the shape language and color are portrayed differently on each Sigil. The utilization of magic is up to the player, and each Sigil provides a unique visual experience that enhances player choice and encourages diverse playstyles.
During development, the team focused heavily on combat mechanics and player choice. In particular, the red, green, and blue magic colors were highlighted, as they represent different gameplay styles. Red magic emphasizes fast-paced, close-quarters combat similar to games like Doom, while green magic offers a more tactical mid-range experience. Blue magic caters to players who prefer a sniper-like playstyle. By incorporating control spells, fury spells, and Sigils, combat encounters are further enhanced with variation and customization.
Ingraham showed a genuine excitement for fans to enjoy the game and expressed immense joy in seeing players fully immerse themselves in the intricately designed spells and mechanics crafted by the team's collaborative efforts. He noted that the game is meant to be played in the way he witnessed, as opposed to just settling for a small aspect of what it has to offer, and finds it amazing to see people truly exploring and taking on the full experience.
Immortals of Aveum launches July 20, 2023, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
