The Chapters
Fractured Nexus Echoes of a Cyber Wasteland
In line with the cyber wasteland theme, I designed a scene set within an abandoned external energy hub. This hub is a patchwork of Earth’s abandoned factories, symbolizing the remnants of civilization reassembled into a new, distorted existence. I’ve crafted two scenarios; the first uses simple rendering to establish the backstory. Suspended in mid-air between towering mountains, this energy hub absorbs Earth’s discarded structures, reconfiguring them into new forms. This isn’t just a fusion of machinery and ruins but a metaphor for the shattered remains of human civilization.
In this world, ‘humans’ are no longer human in the traditional sense— they resemble a new form of life, reliant on the sustenance transmitted from the energy hub, like creatures kept in captivity. But who controls it all? What drives these ‘humans’ to cling to life? Players take on the role of one of the last remaining ‘true humans.’ After overcoming numerous challenges, they reach the core of the energy hub, where they uncover the ‘heart’—the main output terminal.
The design of this scene carries deep symbolism. When players discover that the ‘heart’ is actually composed of complex computer code, a chilling sense of logic and technology governing everything emerges. This ‘heart’ not only supplies ‘humans’ with sustenance but also draws blood from them, gradually transforming them into a new form of existence. It’s a symbiotic relationship: the energy hub relies on the ‘humans,’ and the ‘humans’ cannot survive without the hub’s resources. This revelation lays the groundwork for a deeper philosophical exploration in the adventure: What is the meaning of life? Is the system we depend on a savior or a destroyer?
As an architecture student, I often use storytelling to guide my designs, whether for real-world projects or imaginative creations in the metaverse. Stories provide a clear narrative and direction, giving purpose to every choice. Through storytelling, I can not only define requirements in the early design stages but also make informed decisions during model building and the selection of materials and structures. For instance, in this project, the materials for the scene will feature corroded metal and glass, symbolizing the fragmentation and reconstruction of civilization. Light will filter through the cracks in the mountains, creating a dark and oppressive atmosphere, enhancing the mystery and threat of the energy hub.
In this world, where cruelty and hope intertwine, players are not just observers but active participants, unraveling the truth step by step through puzzles and exploration. This deep integration of story and design not only enriches the scene’s layers but also makes the design more impactful and convincing.
Through this approach, I aim to break traditional design thinking and explore the complex relationships between humans and technology, nature and civilization in a cyber wasteland context. This is not just a virtual ad- venture but a profound reflection on the future shape of society.
Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi
Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi
Elaine Wu Xinyi
Elaine Wu Xinyi
Frostbound Veil Secrets of the Crystal Isle
In my design of the magic crystal mining site, I’ve broken away from traditional settings and placed the entire scene on a desolate island seemingly unrelated to magic crystals. Two miners unexpectedly discover that this snow-covered island hides rare magic crystals beneath its surface. As they carefully dig through the snow, a lone house in the distance catches their attention—a house with smoke billowing from its chimney. Could someone be guarding this mysterious island? The presence of the house adds an eerie and challenging twist to their mission. Players will not only have to endure the harsh environment but also unravel the secrets hidden on this island. Who lives here? Friend or foe? These mysteries will gradually unfold, leading players on a journey filled with unknowns and dangers. Unlike traditional settings, this scene offers not just a visual breakthrough but also a fresh narrative that ignites the player’s desire to explore, showcasing my unique perspective and aesthetic in design.
Hand Drawing Diffuse texture
Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi
Elaine Wu Xinyi
Elaine Wu Xinyi
Elaine
Game Main Menu Design
Game Badge Design
Game Character Menu Design
Echoes of Consciousness: Chronicles of Altered Memory
One day, as you wander through an unknown wasteland, you suddenly come across a towering gate. It reaches into the sky, engraved with ancient runes that emit a mysterious glow. Standing before the gate is a strange creature, its form blurred and indistinct—resembling a human, yet not quite, as if it hails from a distant galaxy or an ancient civilization. Its eyes are deep and enigmatic, seemingly peering into your very soul. You find yourself lost in thought: What is this gatekeeper, and what secrets are they guarding?
The sky above is shrouded in dark clouds, forming a massive dome that feels both oppressive and unsettling. The twisted shapes in the clouds resemble giant whirlpools, threatening to pull you in, yet also acting as an invisible barrier, preventing your escape. A complex mix of emotions surges within you: Is this a gateway to the unknown, or a sealed prison? Should you step through this gate and uncover the secrets it hides?
As you muster the courage to push the gate open, a powerful force pulls you into the sky. You are plunged into a haze of darkness, and when you open your eyes again, you find yourself in a vast desert. The desolate landscape around you stirs unease, and in the distance, a few blurred structures rise. Their outlines give you a strange sense of familiarity. Are they remnants of human architecture you’ve seen before? Or are these buildings themselves waiting for you to unravel the mysteries they hold?
You look down at your body and are shocked to find that your hands and limbs bear an uncanny resemblance to the strange creature you encountered. You begin to question whether you are still human. Every texture, every detail on your hands mirrors the appearance of that being. A flood of questions arises within you: Was I ever human? Or have I become something entirely different?
Suddenly, you notice a wisp of blue smoke drifting in the distance. It twists and turns in the air, its color shifting in strange, unpredictable ways. You try to discern what it is: a fire, perhaps? Or some unknown substance? The appearance of this smoke seems to signal even deeper mysteries, perhaps hinting at a more complex connection between you and this world.
In this mysterious and threatening environment, every step you take is filled with uncertainty and danger. Every detail, every clue could be the key to uncovering the truth. Can you face the reality of your identity, trapped in this vast desert? What secrets does this world hold, and how will they be revealed? Determined, you choose to delve deeper, searching for answers to unlock the perplexing mysteries before you.
Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi | Elaine Wu Xinyi
Wu Xinyi
Elaine Wu Xinyi
Thank you
To be continued ... ...