Project Overview
During the 2025 Global Game Jam in Brighton, I contributed as a 3D modeller for All Hail The Bubble, an isometric couch co-op game (1-4 players) where players switch between cultists to fulfil commandments given by a sentient bubble. Completing these commandments extends the bubble's dwindling lifespan, but if its life runs out, the players lose. Working within the 48-hour time limit, I created a range of low-poly 3D models to bring the cult's house to life.
Initially, I had hoped to take on a programming role in Unity for this year's Global Game Jam. However, after joining the team we affectionately called "Bubble Cult," I couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with such an incredible and talented group of people. I decided to switch roles and contribute as a 3D modeller, offering as much support as I could to bring our project to life.
3D Asset Contributions
- House: Modelled the house following a blueprint of the floorplan drawn by our 2D artist.
- Furniture: Created a variety of furniture, ranging from everyday living items to objects inspired by the commandments and cultist themes.
- Foliage: Designed a simple tree using multiple extrusions from a cylinder, adding randomisation for uniqueness. Trees were scattered and rescaled to avoid repetition.
Key Techniques and Tools
- Bevelling: Used the bevel tool to smooth sharp edges on most objects (in honour of the bubble) and to create stairs by adjusting bevel settings.
- Wireframe modifier: Created a disco ball by adding a wireframe modifier, adjusting thickness, "keeping original", and applying a reflective material for a polished finish.
- Booleans: Applied boolean operations to cut precise holes for doorways and the pool in the shrine room.
- UV Mapping and Basic Texturing: Ensured assets were efficiently textured to maintain a consistent visual style. Textures drawn by our 2D artist were applied to walls, flooring, posters, and carpets.
Collaboration and Workflow
- GDD: Collaborated on a Game Design Document (GDD) to align mechanics, narrative, and art style across the team.
- Integration with Game Engine: Exported optimised models for seamless integration into the Unity engine.
- Team Coordination: Worked closely with designers and programmers to meet asset requirements and maintain consistent visual themes.
- Adaptability Under Time Constraints: Delivered high-quality assets within the 48-hour deadline, focusing on key elements while maintaining design cohesion.
- GitHub for Task Management: Used GitHub's project boards feature with "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done" labels to track progress and manage workload effectively.
Conclusion
The 2025 Global Game Jam was an unforgettable experience that showcased the power of collaboration under tight deadlines. Contributing as a 3D modeller allowed me to grow creatively while working alongside a team of talented individuals. Together, we brought All Hail The Bubble to life, blending artistic vision and gameplay into a unique and cohesive project.