Introduction
The First Strike (TFS) is a free-to-play sci-fi first-person shooter set in a dystopian future where gangs dominate the streets, and the government struggles to maintain control. The game offers multiplayer and zombie modes with diverse maps like The Mall, Warehouse, and The Cut.
To bring this immersive world to life, EGoverse partnered with Adhyay Studios to develop high-quality 3D character models and futuristic weapon designs that align with the game’s sci-fi aesthetic while ensuring smooth performance across different hardware configurations.
Project Background
Client: EGoverse
Goals & Objectives:
- I. Deliver visually striking character and weapon designs that fit the sci-fi theme -
- II. Optimize assets for both low-end and high-end Windows PCs -
- III. Maintain consistency with the game's existing rig and animation system -
- I. Rigging Limitations: - The game used a standardized animation pack, meaning all characters needed to match a specific rig and height constraints
- II. Balancing Detail vs. Performance: - Assets needed to look visually appealing while maintaining optimized performance across different PC configurations
- III. Sci-Fi World-Building: - Ensuring the designs felt futuristic and immersive within EGoverse's established universe
Game Concept & Design
Genre: Sci-Fi First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Art Style: Semi-realistic, futuristic, dystopian
Unique Features of TFS:
- A diverse cast of characters inspired by The EgoVerse collections and partner projects
- Engaging multiplayer and zombie modes offering fast-paced, action-packed combat
- Diverse maps with unique challenges, requiring strategic play
To enhance the visual appeal and narrative immersion, Adhyay Studios designed highly detailed, distinct character models and futuristic weapons that seamlessly fit the game’s gritty, cyberpunk-inspired environment.
Development Process
Adhyay Studios implemented a structured three-phase development roadmap to ensure top-tier asset quality and seamless integration with The First Strike.
Pre-Production:
- Defined character styles based on EGoverse’s initial concept art
- Conducted in-depth research on sci-fi aesthetics, materials, and futuristic armor designs
- Analyzed rigging and animation limitations to ensure smooth integration
Production:
Character & Weapon Modeling:
- Created highly detailed 3D models optimized for FPS gameplay mechanics
- Balanced poly count to maintain visual fidelity without sacrificing performance
Texturing:
- Utilized Substance Painter for realistic sci-fi textures, achieving metallic surfaces, fabric detailing, and wear effects
- Ensured consistent color grading and texture resolution across all assets
Rigging & Animation Adjustments:
- Maintained compatibility with EGoverse’s standardized animation pack
- Tweaked character rigs for seamless movement and combat animations
Testing & Iteration:
- Implemented a continuous feedback loop with EGoverse, refining designs based on playtesting results
- Ensured seamless integration into Unity without performance drops
- Conducted rigging tests to guarantee smooth animations and interactions
Technical Aspects
- Game Engine: Unity
- Tools Used: Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter
- Optimization:
- Maintained low-poly efficiency while preserving high-quality detail
- Created LOD (Level of Detail) models to ensure performance balance across hardware configurations
- Integrated PBR (Physically Based Rendering) materials for enhanced realism
Art & Visual Design
Adhyay Studios delivered a visually stunning lineup of characters and weapons tailored to The First Strike’s sci-fi FPS environment.
Character Design:
- Developed 60+ unique characters, ranging from futuristic mercenaries to cyber-enhanced outlaws
- Created custom armor designs featuring metallic plating, bio-enhancements, and tactical gear
- Enhanced facial detailing and expression refinement for immersive storytelling
Weapon Design:
- Modeled and textured a variety of high-tech firearms, melee weapons, and futuristic energy rifles
- Integrated custom shader effects for energy weapons, adding realism and immersion
- Balanced scale and proportions to fit FPS mechanics without obstructing player view
Rigging & Animation Compatibility:
- Ensured all character models adhered to The First Strike’s animation system without requiring rig modifications
- Conducted extensive pose testing to maintain fluid motion
Results & Impact
Client Feedback:
EGoverse provided highly positive feedback, leading to an expansion of the initial project scope from 30 to 60+ characters.
Impact on The First Strike:
- Enhanced immersion, making the game world richer and more engaging with diverse, futuristic characters
- Seamless integration, ensuring stable performance across different PC configurations
- Strengthened game identity with unique character and weapon designs
Performance Metrics:
| Metric |
Before Adhyay Studios |
After Adhyay Studios’ Contribution |
| Total Characters |
0 |
60+ fully detailed, optimized models |
| Asset Optimization |
No LOD models |
Implemented LOD for performance balance |
| Frame Rate Stability |
FPS drops on lower-end PCs |
Optimized assets for smooth FPS |
| Client Satisfaction |
Standard expectations |
Exceeded expectations, leading to project expansion |
Future Potential:
- Strengthened long-term collaboration between Adhyay Studios and EGoverse for future projects
- Opened opportunities for future game expansions and additional content packs
- Demonstrated Adhyay Studios’ expertise in game asset development, attracting interest from other game studios
Conclusion: Adhyay Studios – Powering The First Strike’s Visual Brilliance
Through a strategic blend of creative excellence, technical expertise, and performance optimization, Adhyay Studios played a pivotal role in bringing The First Strike to life.
The ability to adapt to project constraints, maintain consistency, and exceed client expectations cemented Adhyay Studios as a leading outsourcing partner for sci-fi game asset development.
