Gradual Apocalypse

Process Sheet
Gradual Apocalypse Environment Concept

About

The gradual apocalypse of climate change has changed the landscape of the earth, creating a never-ending sea scattered with small islands, most purchased in advance by an economic elite. This piece depicts the home of one of these people, situated in a massive sea cave. The ethereal stillness of this environment is as peaceful as it is surreal while the signs of civilization are a reprieve from the infinite planes of sea and sky. As the player drifts from island to island, meeting their inhabitants and exploring this vast world, the serenity, and emptiness of the ocean are contrasted with the vibrant acts of cruelty, love, violence, joy, and desperation they witness.

Inspirations

I was inspired by the last segment of the film The House, where the inhabitants turn the house into a boat and drift around an apocalyptic ocean. It was an interesting take on a common trope where the apocalypse is kind of empty and serene which is something I wanted to expand on and take further in my own work. That inspired the idea that the wealthy will survive as the remnants of humanity and live in contemporary houses on isolated islands. The clean lines and shapes of that style of architecture would blend well with the kind of clean and bright atmosphere I was hoping to accomplish and this would all contrast the enduring messiness of humanity

Challenges

This was one of the first full environment concepts I've ever made so making sure that I had good color balance and value range was very important to me, as I'm still learning the process.