Environment Props and Set Dressing

What makes our levels visually interesting? 

In the game Mega Dimension Ripper, we use props to decorate our levels. Props are art assets that are placed into levels of the game to make the level feel unique, interesting, and engaging. We make each level look and feel unique, so the players need to be quick on their toes as the environments are changing while fighting enemies.

Using the 3D modeling program Maya, we create props to be textured and placed and implemented into the game. Texturing is a process of creating unique visuals for objects in games. It is important to have unique textures in the environment to help players know what something is. While we aim to have unique textures, it is also important to maintain a cohesive visual style. This means all our models and textures should resemble not only the object we are creating but also deliver the visual style of the universe we are making and expressing.

After creating fun and interesting props it is time to set dress! Set dressing takes all our game props and decorating levels. When set dressing we try to convey the visual appeal of the environment being worked on. We want to create strong visual distinctions between each level so when our game’s levels start fusing and swapping allow for the players to see both the levels clearly. We want players to feel like the objects and levels are different enough and offer interesting gameplay. 

-Emily Richards