The villain in the game the Shadow Puppeteer

Designing the villain

Game design,

Today we’ll write about the design process for the main villain: The Shadow Puppeteer!

Compared to the development of the Boy where the focus lay primarily on the physical aspects, the development of the Puppeteer was much more psychological.

When creating a villain you have to decide what makes him or her a villain and what «brand» of evil that is. With the Puppeteer we had to consider this: Is he aware of his actions and the consequences? Is he dumb? Is he intelligent?

As an example: An elephant stepping on an ant will not recessarily know that he is a murderer, but to the ant he is an antagonist (no pun intended).

But an intelligent evil villain will know exactly the amount of damage he is causing, and is more inclined towards taking pride in his actions. For instance: The evil and intelligent elephant would probably grab a burning branch and stick it right in the anthill.

Collection of character sketches through the development process for the Shadow Puppeteer

Collection of character sketches through the development process for the Shadow Puppeteer.

With the Shadow Puppeteer we explored different designs based off of different kinds of «evil», from the dumb and comical to the mysterious and sinister. We wanted him to suit the world, but at the same time we needed him to stand out. Part of the character and his motivation is that he doesn’t fit in, and this needed to be evident in some way visually.

First idea for the look of the Shadow PuppeteerFirst idea for the look of the Shadow Puppeteer (April 2010)

The story of the Shadow Puppeteer was not originally planned from some calculation of what would be most popular, but more from a sudden inspired feeling provided by the setting and theme. As we explored the thoughts of a character like the Shadow Puppeteer it was like he already existed and we were merely getting to know him.

In many ways the character already felt familiar, but nailing the  details proved difficult.  We explored different variatons and interpretations of the character, and tried to balance this with the development of the boys. The characters needed to be recognisable and have a good dynamic energy.

The Shadow Puppeteer is a more complex character than what people might expect, and we are confident that his character will be able to both amuse and unsettle, as you follow him through this fantastic and strange world.

 

Shadow Puppeteer available on Steam

110 thoughts on “Designing the villain”

  28. My spouse and i have been very relieved Edward could carry out his survey via the ideas he obtained through your web page. It is now and again perplexing to just continually be giving out solutions which some people may have been trying to sell. Therefore we fully understand we have got you to thank because of that. The entire illustrations you’ve made, the easy web site menu, the friendships you can aid to foster – it’s got mostly wonderful, and it is assisting our son in addition to our family reason why that topic is interesting, and that is unbelievably essential. Many thanks for the whole thing!

    Reply

  32. I wish to voice my respect for your generosity for those individuals that absolutely need help with your question. Your personal commitment to getting the solution along ended up being remarkably practical and have all the time allowed workers just like me to attain their dreams. Your amazing invaluable publication means a whole lot a person like me and a whole lot more to my colleagues. Regards; from each one of us.

    Reply

  33. Thanks a lot for providing individuals with an extraordinarily pleasant chance to read critical reviews from this blog. It is always so terrific and also packed with fun for me personally and my office mates to search your web site no less than three times a week to read through the fresh items you have got. And definitely, I’m usually happy with your sensational suggestions you serve. Selected 1 tips in this posting are completely the most suitable we have all ever had.

    Reply

  36. My spouse and i felt very fulfilled that Emmanuel could round up his web research through your ideas he gained out of the web site. It’s not at all simplistic to simply continually be making a gift of tips and hints which often the others have been selling. So we recognize we have the blog owner to thank because of that. The type of illustrations you made, the simple site menu, the relationships you can help instill – it’s got many extraordinary, and it’s really making our son and our family recognize that that content is fun, which is seriously indispensable. Thank you for everything!

    Reply

  38. Thank you so much for providing individuals with an extraordinarily breathtaking chance to read from this site. It is often very useful and also stuffed with a good time for me and my office acquaintances to visit your website at least thrice per week to read the fresh things you have. Not to mention, I am usually contented considering the astonishing principles you give. Selected two facts in this posting are undoubtedly the most beneficial I’ve had.

    Reply

  64. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

    Reply

  92. Ev Taşıma | Müşteri memnuniyeti odaklı bir nakliyat firması olarak, bu tür bilgilendirici içeriklerin sektöre katkısını çok değerli buluyoruz. Kozcuoğlu Ev Taşıma olarak, her zaman müşteri odaklı hizmet sunuyoruz.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *