A Mobile Geolocation Fantasy RPG

SYNOPSIS

I joined the Marketing Team at independent game studio, NantGames as a Multimedia Specialist for their first mobile game, MythWalker.  Described as a “mobile geolocation fantasy RPG”, the game embraced the fundamentals of the geolocation game genre, while introducing fresh innovations such as “Tap To Move” (play on your couch), “Friend Tethering” (party up and warp to your friend’s geolocation globally), a comprehensive character customization feature, and more.  My job included video production, video editing, post production, motion graphics, game website design, sound editing, voiceover performances, partnering with 3rd party agencies, and collaborate on campaign strategies for social media narratives and public events.

UI/UX Web Design

Worked with fellow colleague Kelsi Mannhalter on concept ideation, wireframes, and brainstorm ideas for a turn-key, fully functional interactive prototype of the new MythWalker game website using Figma.

Video Production

Shot on-location globally, then video edited and audio mastered for game trailers, social media, and stakeholder presentations.

Motion Graphics

Title cards, end cards, 2D character animation, 3D animation, and special FX were created for global trailers, Twitch Con, Amazon Ads, and external partners for broadcast.

Vi-Docs / Features

Chronicling product updates, employee spotlights, and events we participated in such as Twitch Con, LA Times Festival Of Books, and PAX West.

External Comms

Social media persona, providing game updates, features, and event announcements, as well as voiceover performances for promotional trailers.

Marketing / Branding

Graphic design, go-to-market strategy, brand affinity asset creation, and branding guidelines for videos.

MARKETING ART

The Big Reveal: Marketing A Game Launch Campaign

The Marketing Team, led by Christie G., pulled out all the stops to assemble a fantastic go-to-market launch campaign for MythWalker.

MARKETING ART EXAMPLES

SOCIAL MEDIA TRAILERS

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Roughly a year before the game launched, the Marketing Team led by Christie G. put together a comprehensive road map to generate social media content that would be doled out in tandem with the pulse points of the MythWalker and its features.  Below are samples of my motion graphics, video editing, sound editing, and voiceover performances optimized for social media. 

MythWalker Classes Trailer 00:54

MythWalker Species Trailer 00:32

IMMERSIVE INTERSTITIALS

MOTION GRAPHICS EXAMPLES

INTERSTITIALS

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The gameplay of MythWalker is played from a predominate isometric angle, which is great for situational awareness as you battle hapless foes.  One day, I had an idea of repurposing the inhabitants of Mytherra to give them a more up close and personal cinematic presence for marketing content.  Not only did it provide an opportunity for each character to have their moment in the spotlight, but it also showcased all of the hard work the animation team put into bringing them to life.  These assets were used on screens at our MythWalker booth for events and social media content.  After completing the regular interstitials, which you can see below, I took it one step further for platforms that utilize the 1080×1920 vertical aspect ratio such as Instagram for their videos and had the characters “bust out” of their framed videos, jumping out into the social media interface.  I call those “Immersive Interstitials”.

Wulven Interstitial 00:20

Undead Ghouls Interstitial 00:18

Alamus Interstitial 00:19

Pirate Corsair Interstitial 00:16

Migda Interstitial 00:17

Annu Interstitial 00:20

Spellslinger 00:20

Occital 00:20

The Child 00:20

Social Media Deliverables

Videos are optimized for both mobile and desktop formats.

1920x1080, 1080x1920, 1080x1350, and 1080x1080 aspect ratios are used for social channels.

VIDEO PRODUCTION EXAMPLE

 MYTHWALKER ANNOUNCEMENT TRAILER

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I worked in conjunction with Roger Agency on the official Announcement trailer (I created the motion graphics end cards, edited parts of the video, and created multiple cutdowns for Social channels) of MythWalker which is now available on Android & iOS.

VIDEO PRODUCTION EXAMPLE 02

MYTHWALKER LORE VIDEO

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This video provided a high level introduction into the narrative of MythWalker, touching on story beats such as The Child, a parallel planet to Earth called “Mytherra” and the conflict brewing, requiring the aide of the player.  It provided a fun opportunity to leverage the beautiful concept art illustrated by concept artist Andrea Dailey into motion graphics.  I also performed the VO for the trailer.

 

VIDEO PRODUCTION EXAMPLE 03

MYTHWALKER CINEMATIC TRAILER

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This is the official pre-rendered cinematic for MythWalker. NantStudios, a sister company of NantGames, was hired to create the full length 5 minute short. I was tasked with creating multiple trailer cutdowns, motion graphics title cards, the end card, and voiceover, which you see here.

 

VENDOR COLLABORATION EXAMPLES

LIVE ACTION COMMERCIALS

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Roger Agency was tapped to create for us two live action commercials; the Announcement trailer and the Date Reveal trailer.  The live plate was shot in the Dallas Fort-Worth area.  I worked in conjunction with them, doing multiple cutdowns, editing footage, and creating the motion graphics CTA End Cards. 

MythWalker Date Reveal Trailer 00:52

I worked in conjunction with Roger Agency on the official “Date Reveal” trailer (I created the motion graphics end cards edited parts of the video, and created multiple cutdowns for Social channels) of MythWalker, which is now available on Android & iOS.

MythWalker Announcement Trailer 2:28

I worked in conjunction with Roger Agency on the official “Announcement” trailer (I created the motion graphics end cards edited parts of the video, and created multiple cutdowns for Social channels) of MythWalker, which is now available on Android & iOS.

PHOTOGRAPHY EXAMPLE

BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Another part of creating a cohesive studio brand involves Photography.  During game presentations and demos to the press media behind closed doors, I decided to go with a black and white editorial style to capture candid moments for internal and external use.    

PHOTOGRAPHY EXAMPLE

COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

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Color photography was also used in an editorial capacity with the intent to help convey the innovation, excitement, and buzz surrounding promotional event preparation and game release parties, not to mention the wonderful personalities and walks of life that have come together as a team.

VIDEO PRODUCTION EXAMPLES

SHOT ON-LOCATION

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The Marketing team went to multiple conferences including TwitchCon Rotterdam, PAX West in Seattle, LA Times Festival Of Books, and TwitchCon San Diego.  I gathered footage at the events and B roll of the surrounding areas to edit into recap montages for the studio website blog and social channels.

TwitchCon Rotterdam 00:50

PAX West 00:60

TwitchCon San Diego 00:60

Web Design

Motion Graphics

Illustration

Video Production

Sound Editing

Social Media

A Little Of Our Story

The NantGames team is filled with wonderfully talented folks.

I took this shot during the MythWalker release party.

Russ is a great visual designer and motion graphics designer. He created motion graphics prototypes for a variety projects across our lines of business. Everyone always stopped while walking past his desk to admire the coolness of his work. He is a pleasure to work with, he always creates top notch work and delivers it on schedule!

DON RELYEA, HEAD OF DESIGN TECHNOLOGY & PROTOTYPING - HEAD OF U.S. DESIGN AT BBVA

Russell is truly a jack of all trades. He's a one-stop shop for all things creative from creating animations, to videography, to photography, to UI/UX, to prototyping, to graphic design, and he can write too. He has a passion and love of design that is simply unmatched. A passion that is reflected daily with his work ethic; and the highly conceptual and innovative designs he delivers with ease. He is truly a joy to work with and will enhance any work place, all while inspiring others to be great!

NICOLE MORRIS, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT / UI LEAD AT BBVA COMPASS

Russ is a design powerhouse. Not only does he create beautiful designs but his knowledge of video animation and ideas on how elements can move about on a screen are really sleek and smart. He is very personable, a team player, an avid learner and a great colleague. I have enjoyed working with Russ and I believe he will be a valuable asset on any team.

SHALIA AINA - HEAD OF UI/UX DESIGN AT COMPASS

Having the pleasure of working with Russ, I got to see the high level of skills he has in design and prototyping. He is capable of creating beautiful graphics that lead into amazing animations videos and delivers the clients exactly what they want. He is funny and charismatic, while also showing a level of professionalism that cannot be acquired elsewhere. I aspire to be able to develop digital designs like Russell and with no doubt I think he will be a great asset in the digital and design industry.

JENNIFER MUNOZ - ASSOCIATE UI DESIGNER AT BBVA COMPASS

I have not worked much with Russ directly, but he does the type of work where I have stopped on multiple occasions to ask “Wow, what is that you’re working on!?” The video animations I have seen from Russ are complex, professional, polished and were great in demonstrating how the applications work. On top of his exceptional skills, I was impressed by his desire to help and contribute to the team, such as creating an animated video to be used on the team portfolio site. Even though Russ had a full work load, he was still able to produce exactly when we needed in half the time we expected. I can confidently say that Russ is a master of his craft.

JENNY DIMANH - VICE PRESIDENT / LEAD UI DESIGNER AT BBVA COMPASS

Russell is very kind hearted, hard working, and brings levity to everyday moments. He makes the work environment a joy to be in. His computer graphics and video abilities are impressive to say in the least. He can easily create prototypes and videos to portray a project that brings the concept and screens to life. His knowledge in the digital and design industry enhance his creative work and the work of those around him. He is always curious, always studying, and always improving the design scene.

KATIE GOODRICH - ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT / UI LEAD AT BBVA COMPASS

Russ’ attention to detail and ability to produce polished products with quick efficiency is not his only talent. He is also a personable team player with a terrific attitude. I have had the pleasure of working along side Russ for the last year and on numerous occasions he has gone above and beyond to produce work that is beyond reproach. Russ is an asset to any organization but I’m glad that we have him as part of ours.

SYDNEY WITT - UX LEAD AT BBVA COMPASS

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