Ragnarok VR: Jotunheim | Art direction of characters and environments for VR horror game
September 26, 2015
Ocean | Room-scale VR art installation for public spaces
September 30, 2016

Ragnarok VR : Unrealised Concepts

Art direction and concept design of virtual reality horror game based on Norse mythology.
In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is the end of the world. The game centers on an unknown protagonist sent to recover the stolen necklace, Brísingamen, for the goddess Freya. For this atmospheric horror title, which was one of the first virtual reality (VR) games from Denmark, Zakarian drew inspiration from the original Norse myths, which are full of dark prophecies and a strong emphasis on the forces of nature.
Zakarian developed a "staged realism": using tightly composed, dramatic environments, detailed textures and iconic characters to support the narrative, explore the full impact of VR, guide player attention and encourage immersion.
Alpha demos of 2 levels were exhibited at international game conferences such as Game Developer Conference, Gamescom, REZZED, Poznán Game Arena etc.
Target devices: Oculus Rift DK1, DK2, GearVR, HTC Vive.
This was an indie production by a small team of 8-12 people. The game was cancelled and the team disbanded due to ethical differences before production was completed in 2015.
PRODUCTS:
Asset Bible, mood boards and style guides
Environment, object and character design
Concept art and turnarounds
Storyboards and level design
Lighting in Unity

My Roles: CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT • ART DIRECTION • LEVEL DESIGN • CONCEPT ART • 2D ASSETS • RECRUITING TEAM • MANAGEMENT OF TEAM AND PROJECT PIPELINE

Unrealised Concepts

A number of concept pieces of locations, items and characters from Norse Mythology
were designed and sketched by Zakarian, but never implemented.
This is a small selection.
Among them is content for further levels and characters,
as well as a storyboard for an unfinished 2D trailer for the game.