The request was to create a digital experience that could live within the structure of the Bastion of Riva del Garda and involve even the youngest users.
The location had a Grinch theme, so we opted for a game playable on smartphones and, as a protagonist, the little helper of the grumpy enemy of Christmas: the adorable dog Max!
Given our main target, the goal was to create a simple and playful interaction that did not require special settings or complex dynamics: a treasure hunt to help Max find his toys, hidden in the form of QR Codes inside the Bastion.
NO SPOILERS ON THE LOCATIONS!
We started brainstorming to find the best ideas to translate into the first sketches and set the pipeline.
The main focuses were the star of the game Max and the environment, so we could immediately set the visual mood of the scene and begin to create all the prop items. We opted for a single scenario, to limit the amount of items needed and to keep the experience as simple as possible for the users.
Ideas were clear, and the actual production could begin.
The idea involved the creation of the environment, the props present to decorate the scene, and the hero props to interact with during the game.
Oh... let's not forget about Max!
After we had all the pieces in our mind, it was time to translate them into 3D Models. We started with Max and the environment, then all the props to decorate the scene, and the hero props to interact with during the game. After each element has been conceived, modeled, textured and rigged...
It was time to animate the party! (pun intended)
As for the gamedev and coding part, the mechanics with QR Code required setting a system of recognition and integration with the camera and a particular management of the UI, not to mention the process of integrating all the other assets.
Once all the pieces were put together... we published it, our first App in store!