The Embrace - Voyagers of Nera

Here’s a selection of sketches and concepts created while exploring our first biome, The Embrace. The goal was for The Embrace to feel familiar and approachable as a welcoming introduction to the world and its themes. At first glance it reads as a classic tropical environment, grounded with ruined elements. This was trying to preserve a sense of warmth and accessibility while gradually easing players toward the more surreal and dangerous biomes later in the game.

Because Nera is a ruined, ancient world, we explored how the Ancients might have once shaped and “primed” the environment for those who would live in the world they created. The starting Embrace island was envisioned as both a literal and thematic refuge, with one of their massive arms literally embracing the island as a final act of guidance before players venture beyond the safety of the initial cove and into the wider world.

I led the creative and art direction for The Embrace, and also helped author the environments through paintovers and Unreal Engine art passes. Big thanks to my art team for all the hard work in helping me realize this area!

https://www.artstation.com/waterproofjedi
https://www.kyleyoungblom.com/
https://www.artstation.com/dardostudios