Early concept designs for Gears of War: E-Day show character changes in the game

This article was written for the first time on the website Gimfa Gimfa: news, reviews and reviews of games, cinema, movies and series in the link of the initial concept designs of Gears of War: E-Day shows the changes of the characters of the game. Concept designs are always one of the most interesting parts of the video game development process; Because they show the ideas, initial changes and vision of the first creators before the formation of the final version. While

Concept designs are always one of the most interesting parts of the video game development process; Because they show the ideas, initial changes and vision of the first creators before the formation of the final version. While most of these pieces of art are rarely seen publicly, Insider Gaming has just gotten their hands on some new concept art from the highly anticipated Gears of War: E-Day, which show the evolution and regeneration of the main characters.

Kev Chu, Senior Concept Art Designer at The Coalition Studio, has released the first sketches and prototypes of Dom Santiago and Marcus Fenix on the ArtStation website, sharing some amazing details about the challenges of rejuvenating these two iconic figures.

To design the young version of Dom Santiago, the production team went through a step-by-step journey. The studio wanted to portray a younger character, but according to Cue Cho, the initial version of him was too cartoonish and didn't match the dark tone and gritty realism of the E-Day version.

The art team made several changes to identify the main components of the animal's face; An approach that at some point made his appearance go completely towards realism, but lost the original and symbolic identity of Dom. Finally, the designers restored his facial features with a calculated exaggeration appropriate to the original trilogy and combined with realistic textures. After re-designing the hairstyle, beard line and short beard, a believable, young and yet familiar face was finally formed.

Qu Chu describes this process as follows:

Creating a balance between realism and classical art style was our main goal; We wanted the look of the game to fit in with the overall vision of Gears of War: E-Day, which is to go back to the series' horror roots, dark and eerie atmosphere while still sticking to a realistic aesthetic.

To design Marcus Fenix's youth, the creators started by looking at his appearance in the first trilogy, as well as his aging face in Gears 4 and 5. Aryan Hanbeck, art director, and Matt Searcy, project creative director, led this sensitive process to bring the larger-than-life, epic characters to life in a fully tangible format.

The main challenge was not to over-rely on the exaggerated designs of the old versions, nor to destroy the realism of the new version of Marcus' facial identity. For this reason, the designers started with a basic 3D model and arranged the facial components according to Marcus's proportions. Retaining Marcus's signature facial expressions and gestures, particularly his famous heavy frown and furrowed brows, was a central element in the designs. Next, handmade details such as scars, beards, and wrinkles were added to give the audience a sense of toughness.

Cho explained about Marcus' appearance in the prequel:

Although Marcus is only in his 20s during the events of Gears of War: E-Day, he should look like a tough, scarred and seasoned veteran while still young; A strong warrior who prepares to face the terrible disaster of Emergence Day.