At the recent BIG Festival, industry experts shared their secrets to success, including Tom Bernardes, Rovio’s senior character designer, who discussed Rovio’s approach to character design.
A Closer Look at Rovio’s Character Design
Rovio’s Angry Birds franchise is known worldwide for its addictive gameplay and instantly recognizable characters. Tom Bernardes explored how game makers can leverage great central characters to make their products stand out.
Bernardes explained that there are two types of designers or artists: those born with natural talent and acute perception, and those who may be more “normal” but can develop their skills through study. He emphasized that character design in games differs from animation, with a more chaotic creative process in games and more methodical design in animation.
During his talk, Bernardes revealed concept art for a new Angry Birds character, showcasing different designs based on various powers. This insight into the iteration process demonstrated how characters evolve from conception to the screen.
Learning from Rovio’s Success
Developers can learn valuable lessons from Rovio’s approach to character design. Angry Birds’ success lies in its immediately identifiable characters, each with distinct qualities while maintaining a consistent style. Game makers can achieve similar success by focusing on designing unique characters in their own style.
Mobile gaming’s strength in simpler narratives allows characters to fit easily into adaptations, spin-offs, and crossovers. Angry Birds’ success has led to numerous adaptations and crossovers, showcasing the power of the franchise’s art style in grabbing attention.
Establishing an art style and creating distinct characters not only ensures the success of a game but also opens doors for expansion into new areas.