Wild Diaries 1: Embracing A NEW Art Style for a More Immersive Gaming Experience

Wildchain
The Wildchain Journal
5 min readSep 1, 2023

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Announcing a new art style

At Wildchain, we are striving to create a captivating and satisfying gaming experience. Throughout the course of development, we gained plenty of valuable insights that substantially contributed to our comprehension of effective game design.

We are excited to announce a significant transformation of our game’s art style as we venture into the captivating realm of a new art style in the direction of 2.5D.

Illustration by Wildchain’s artists

What is 2.5D?

2.5D refers to a graphical or visual style in which elements are rendered in a three-dimensional manner, but the gameplay or perspective remains primarily two-dimensional. This technique creates the illusion of depth and dimensionality while still adhering to a predominantly flat gameplay environment. It’s used in games to provide a sense of depth without fully transitioning to a fully 3D world. In a 2.5D game, 3D assets are utilized to enhance the visual depth and dimensionality of the game world, while the gameplay and mechanics remain largely two-dimensional. This technique combines the benefits of 3D graphics with the familiarity of 2D gameplay.

Profile page UI by Wildchain’s artists

This change isn’t just about graphics; it’s about elevating our aesthetics and every aspect of our game.

Aesthetic elements and game mechanics are interdependent, as aesthetics provide players with emotional context. Aesthetics have a holistic nature, with graphics serving this purpose. The separation between visuals and mechanics is artificial; they synergize to create the gaming experience as a unified whole. Hence, it’s essential to perceive in-game animals as integral components, comprehending how all elements in the game are interconnected.

After extensive consideration of this significant alteration, we are enthusiastic about delving into the reasons driving this transition and exploring its potential to enrich your Wildchain adventure.

Reasons for 2.5D over 2D

Visual by Wildchain’s artists

Depth and Immersion

With 2.5D, the visual illusion of depth enhances immersion, making our sanctuary feel more alive and engaging compared to a purely flat 2D environment.

Our commitment to creating an engaging game extends beyond character animations. The new 3D art style enables us to create breathtakingly detailed and interactive landscapes. As you explore your wild Savannah sanctuary in Wildchain, you’ll find gently rolling terrain with grasses and scattered acacia trees that feel like they’re right in front of you.

These small details will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the heart of nature, forging a stronger connection with the animals you’re fighting to protect.

Game illustration by Wildchain’s artists

Visual Appeal

The inclusion of depth and layered visuals in 2.5D games can lead to more visually appealing and dynamic scenes, making the game more captivating for our players.

We are excited to introduce character movements and interactions that possess increased dynamism, fluidity, and engagement. Imagine your favorite wildlife characters springing to life in vibrant 3D, with animations that capture their personalities and actions in finer detail than ever before. This shift enhances the connection between you and the creatures you’re helping to protect, making your gaming experience not just entertaining but deeply immersive.

Gameplay Variety

2.5D helps us introduce gameplay mechanics that utilize the added depth, such as platforming elements that take advantage of foreground and background layers.

Wildchain has always been about creating a meaningful and educational gaming experience. While our previous art style had its charm, we believe that the transition to 2.5D will help us reach an even broader audience as it provides us with new opportunities for creativity.

Visuals by Wildchain’s artists

A timeless look and feel

The pseudo-3D nature of 2.5D allows for intricate environmental & character details that might be limited in a flat 2D game, enhancing the overall aesthetics and world-building.

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, it’s essential to ensure that our game remains relevant for years to come. 3D elements can offer a timeless quality that transcends trends and fads. By choosing this approach, we’re investing in the long-term enjoyment of Wildchain for all our players.

As the years go by, you’ll find that our game still looks and feels as fresh and captivating as the day you first played it. This timelessness ensures that Wildchain remains a cherished part of your gaming journey for many seasons to come.

Illustration by Wildchain’s artists

Nostalgia meets Innovation

For those who cherished the nostalgic appeal of our old 2D animal designs, we encourage you to stay tuned. While we’re embracing a new dimension with enhanced dynamics, we’re also crafting a creative way to maintain your cherished interactions with the old characters in the game.

Our new 2.5D approach combines elements of classic 2D gaming with modern visual effects, still appealing to players’ nostalgia while offering innovative gameplay opportunities. 2.5D can smoothly transition between 2D and 3D elements, providing the best of both worlds. This flexibility can lead to more diverse gameplay experience.

Game art by Wildchain’s artists

Our decision to transition to a 2.5D art style isn’t just a change in appearance; it’s a commitment to enhancing every facet of your Wildchain adventure. We aim to immerse you in the world of wildlife conservation like never before, making the experience more engaging, interactive, and timeless. We can’t wait for you to explore this exciting new chapter with us and continue your journey to protect and preserve our planet’s incredible biodiversity.

Thank you for being part of the Wildchain community, and we look forward to embarking on this new adventure together.

Animal page UI (WIP) by Wildchain’s artists

More Wildchain: Follow our socials and get updates about the game!

Visuals by Wildchain’s artists

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Wildchain
The Wildchain Journal

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