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FINAL AUTOMATA is a fighting game with AI-controlled, physically simulated robots. We're a team of two: an Engineer and an Artist (me). Inspired by AI tech, we aim to bring this project to life with limited resources. 

I use generative AI tools and traditional 2D/3D techniques from my 10+ years in game dev, while my partner uses reinforcement learning and simulations in Unity3D to program and animate the robots.

What's in this update:

• 🤖Creating concept art for a robot using AI tools along with "traditional" pre-production techniques
• 🎨Learning the principles of Character Design and how to create a cohesive art style for a game

I've been diving deep into generative AI tools to amplify the art production for our game. After my previous tests https://www.artstation.com/artwork/aoWQnX & https://youtu.be/QSkYUFzgCLE  I wanted to push the tools even further.

Creating Character Concept Art with MidJourney and Photoshop

1. 📚 Collecting references and figuring out which elements make the robot more appealing.

2. 🎨Using Midjourney to generate ideas and mix styles. I aimed for an interesting, fresh, and cool style for the robot. I generated hundreds of images, refining the prompts and reference images.

3. 🛠️Refining the final concept in Photoshop using kitbashing and matte painting with images generated in Midjourney. I also heavily used Photoshop's AI generation tool to create separate pieces. In the latest Beta version of Photoshop, it's convenient to upload the reference image for generation and upscale it to get the best results.

📂 Resources and 🔗 Links:

Tips and tricks of Midjourney https://www.youtube.com/@FutureTechPilot

Photoshop Ai generation with reference image https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUlEW9CG73w

Learning the principles of Character Design and how to create a cohesive art style for a game:

Creating an indie game from scratch means you have to do it all. Not only do you develop the assets, but you also have to decide what to develop. To put on my Art Director hat, I first need to learn how to wear it.

First, I turned to ChatGPT to break down the principles of worldbuilding and designing appealing characters. This gave you a rough overview of the topics I need to learn.  Then, I went to YouTube and Artstation Learning to dig deeper.

📂 Resources and 🔗 Links

The Art Direction of Street Fighter V: The Role of Art in Fighting Games https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDlbJdmo7KE

Art Direction Bootcamp: Building a Visual Threshold https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLnvEwo4M8Q

Stay tuned for more updates - next, I will create the 3D version of this handsome robot 🤖.

I hope my journey will be inspirational for you. Feel free to start a conversation in the comments, and if you like, follow me on Instagram 📸 https://www.instagram.com/marizatorska/ and our game's YouTube channel 🎮 https://www.youtube.com/@finalautomata