Counting down.

The countdown to the Nadir beta is underway, but in the mean time, we are able to show you some of the new updated graphics. This week, we will be busy updating some of the games environments. Previously, the environment textures in our original examples had been created by another artist and had been used to create a proof of concept. They were always going to change and when we did update them, we were able to create a much deeper, immersive environment. This was mostly due to the increase in the environment resolution. Fig. 1. shows a Nebula scene with an enemy ship ahead.


Fig. 1. Inside a gas giant with a ship in the distance


We are also beginning to add graphics to our menu screens. We wanted a subtle yet engaging title screen so after some initial designs we were able to create some concept art for the title screen. We wanted movement in this screen so we have used a filter to provide a subtle overlaying motion effect. Fig. 2. shows our initial title screen concept art.


Fig. 2. Concept art for the Nadir title screen


We have started work on the concept art for the HUD. We wanted to get a modern or futuristic feel to the HUD so we started looking at some of the new laser technologies being used in modern cars. We also looked at some of the movie interpretations of futuristic HUD interfaces and decided that we would try to get the feeling that the HUD was being projected onto the inside of your cockpit windshield. We really liked the effect of a semi transparent, neon hue and this started to evolve into the following concept screenshot, Fig. 3.


Fig. 3. Developing the HUD


We want to thank everyone who has already contacted us about our beta program, I suspect that you guys will be beating us at our own game in no time. There are still available beta test slots open for anyone who would like to join in with us from June 1st 2010. To be part of the beta testing team, simply drop us an message from this contact form and we will get back to you.

Gary Paluk