A downloadable asset pack

Submission for Broken Telephone Jam #7 - art based on Wisdom of the Forest

When I listened to the music, it evoked a gently moving aquatic scene. Originally I imagined sitting in a dark aquarium hall, the light coming from the tank itself, watching various creatures go by. I thought I could push the idea into a more game like concept by moving the scene into the ocean with a more active observer role. I took the opportunity to show wild creatures, like humpback whales.

Coming from the aquarium idea, I wanted to keep that landscape observation feel. I started my concept lighting at much more of a surface level with high light penetration akin to snorkeling. I decided it was more fitting to go deep. Underwater can feel like this endless void compared to an exhibit, but it is quite lively just spread out. I chose to go beyond a standard field of view to a longer depth to bridge the gap make the background a more consistently interesting environment to travel around in 2D.

In this scene, you are a small, stylized research submersible launched from its mothership for a round of ocean observation. As you travel, you're increasingly aware of the activity that lies below the water. You can make out shapes of various fish swimming through out the depths, some even close enough to make out distinct features. You approach a pod of whales and get a close encounter with one along the way.

Meeting the whale