Project Breakdown
We shot and created primarily in-game and instructional content for this project. The above trailer is a compilation of 3D shots we created along with some narrative elements to give context to the shots.
For the art direction, the Wharton team wanted to keep things based in reality even though the game takes place in the future. We selected pre-made 3D models for the ships and modified them with company decals and more realistic textures. We based the look of the ship’s onboard AI and UI to match the in-game player interface.
The Ships
FERGIE
FERGIE is the in-game AI that assists players with user interface walkthroughs, game mechanics explanations, and narrative exposition. FERGIE was created in After Effects and uses an audio deformer to automatically animate to the voice over input. The game tutorials were created using a combination of screen capture and After Effects.
Instructional Content
In addition to our work focusing on fleshing out narrative elements, we also handled the instructional content from Professor Ethan Mollick that introduced students to the game, expanded on ideas, and debriefed them after the experience. We shot these in a studio on a green screen and supplemented them with on-screen text and visuals for emphasis.
FERGIE Intro Walkthrough
This clip is a part of a series of introductory videos walking the player through the game interface.
Interplanetary Newscast
This is an in-universe newscast that sets up the Saturn Parable, a race between competing factions to Enceladus, a frozen moon of Saturn’s.
Character Introductions
There are six playable characters in the game, so we needed to create versions of each video for their different narratives. This is one of the videos introducing players to their character’s backstory. We primarily utilized stock footage for these, since so much original 3D content and design was required elsewhere.
Y48 Studios 