I wasn’t going to post this since most of the images say “Do Not Redistribute.” However, since Halo.Bungie.Org has, I now feel comfortable in doing so.
This is another article posted by Shae Shatz of 343. This time on the designs of some of the weapons and the shade turret of Halo 4. The artwork is amazing. (My thoughts interjected between graphics)
Over the course of the project I got to design a variety of vehicles, props and weapons for the covenant, forerunner and UNSC. It was a real challenge to learn the visual language for each, how they differed and where they unified. Detail allocation was a big lesson I learned as well as the art of designing weapons and all the subtleties that one needs to factor into their design process for a well balanced design. Special thanks to Nicolas Bouvier, Kenneth Scott, Robogabo, Glenn Isreal and Josh Kao for the conversations along the way!
I love how most of the Covenant weapons have an insect-like carapace design. They look somewhat organic but hardened, much like insect carapace’s are in real life. The color and shading is exquisite.
Our Favorite “Banana Slug” gun gets a slight makeover.
I dont’ think the needler has ever looks better. Fear the pink mist indeed. I can really appreciate the reflected light from the needles as well as the discharge array.
Even the Plasma Pistol gets a nice upgrade in aesthetics.
The Storm Rifle, new to the Halo franchise, is sleek in design, taking elements from automobiles. Anyone else see that cool “FU” or “Fist of the Unicorn” approved logo in the bottom right corner? LOL.
A returning favorite the Covenant Carbine gets a shiny new skin. I never much used this weapon in previous Halo games, but find myself using it a lot in matchmaking. Well, really, it’s because I’m finishing up the commendation for it. I’ve got about 250 more kills with it to finish the master level, IIRC.
You can see great care was taken into account for the redesign of the DMR for Halo 4, with several overall and specific scope designs presented here.
Finally we have the Shade turret. Seen in transparent silhouette the Halo CE is in scale with the Halo 4 version. So while different, the Halo 4 version certainly harkens back to the original design.
Concept and Production art is something I can really get into and enjoy. As most of you know it’s something I promote as often as I can on the blog. While most times concept art goes unnoticed and unappreciated by the masses, I’m VERY glad to see 343 allowing their concept art to be shared. Knowing the background of all the stuff we see in the finished game shows the hard work put into it by the designers and developers.
Once again, thanks 343 for all that you have done and continue to do for Halo 4 and beyond!
-Sal
Finally we have the Shade turret. Seen in transparent silhouette the Halo CE is in scale with the Halo 4 version. So while different, the Halo 4 version certainly harkens back to the original design.
I love concept art so much. I have quite a large collection of concept art books from games and films (including the elusive Art of Halo 3). Just like soundtracks, even if the games ends up being terrible, you can enjoy the production art for what it is.