Character Design
Ongoing coverage on Character Design.
Latest coverage
Black Cat joins Marvel Rivals, says "good boy" in her reveal trailer, and it's all been downhill from there, folks: "I have never folded so fast in my LIFE"
Marvel Rivals has revealed its next playable character, Black Cat, who will be added to the game on April 17 as part of Season 7.5. The Duelist character has generated significant discussion among players regarding her abilities and appearance, with particular attention on her new 'Urban Predator' skin. Developer NetEase Games is also planning to evolve the game into a 'moving anime' experience by 2027 with new game modes and PvE content.
Ex-Overwatch Director Says Tracer's Butt Was Never "Nerfed"
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan stated that Tracer's butt was never 'nerfed' in the game, despite a controversy over a victory pose shortly after the original Overwatch's debut. Kaplan also discussed his departure from Activision Blizzard and shared his views on players criticizing games they haven't played.
'We Actually Didn't Nerf Tracer's Butt' — 10 Years On, Former Overwatch Boss is Still Being Asked About That Pose Change
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan continues to be asked about a controversial pose change for the character Tracer, even a decade later. The discussion highlights the lasting impact of community reactions on character design and development decisions within the gaming industry.
Blizzard explains visual updates to Overwatch's Anran
Overwatch game director Aaron Keller addressed community and voice actor feedback regarding the visual design of the new character Anran. Following backlash over her initial appearance, Blizzard is implementing updates to make her visuals more aligned with her described personality as a confident and fierce leader, moving away from a perceived 'baby face' look. The changes, set to go live on April 14, focus on her eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and posture.
Overwatch reveals player-demanded facial revision for Anran to make her more ‘fiery and fierce’
Overwatch is releasing an updated character model for Anran in Season 2, addressing player feedback that her initial design did not convey the 'fiery and fierce' persona intended by the developers. Game director Aaron Keller had previously acknowledged the concerns and promised revisions, which have now been previewed with before-and-after images. The update aims to strengthen her overall presence and align with the creative vision for the character.
Blizzard reveals Overwatch hero Anran's new "fiery and fierce" look, following player backlash over 'same-face syndrome'
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a redesigned look for Overwatch hero Anran following player feedback regarding 'same-face syndrome' and a perceived 'baby face'. Game director Aaron Keller stated the team aimed to strengthen her presence and make her appear more 'fiery and fierce'. The redesign is set to launch with Season 2, with Blizzard encouraging continued community feedback for future character releases.
Overwatch will free Anran from her "baby face" in Season 2, director confirms, and her voice actor approves: "She looks much more like the strong older sibling we knew her to be"
Blizzard Entertainment is updating the character design for Anran in Overwatch Season 2, aiming for a stronger, more mature appearance that better reflects her role as a fierce older sibling. Game director Aaron Keller confirmed the changes, which were also approved by voice actor Fareeha Andersen. This redesign process is serving as a learning experience for the development of future heroes.
Overwatch's Anran finally gets her glow-up. "Playful" is out, "sincere" is in, but is it enough?
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a reworked character model for the Overwatch hero Anran, following player complaints about her previous appearance. The developer has shifted the character's aesthetic from 'playful' to 'sincere'.
Overwatch's Anran redesign fixes her controversial 'baby face' in Season 2: 'This process has really helped dial in the next set of heroes'
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed an updated character model for Anran in Overwatch, addressing fan and voice actor concerns about her previous 'baby face' design. Game director Aaron Keller explained the changes focus on strengthening her presence and making her appear older and more confident. This redesign will be implemented with the launch of Season 2.
Blizzard Unveils Anran's Redesigned Face In Overwatch Season 2
Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled a redesigned face for the Overwatch hero Anran ahead of Season 2, addressing player feedback that her original appearance was too similar to other characters and lacked a mature presence. Overwatch director Aaron Keller stated the team focused on her eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to create a more sincere and mature expression, with subtle posture changes also implemented. The updated design will launch with Overwatch Season 2 on April 14.
‘We Moved Away From That Baby Face’ — Overwatch Reveals Updated Look For Anran Following Fan Backlash
Overwatch has revealed an updated character model for Anran following significant fan backlash regarding the initial design. The developers stated they moved away from the 'baby face' aesthetic in response to community feedback.
Good Smile Company Racing Miku Kyojo Vita 2026 Design Teased
Good Smile Company has revealed the new Racing Miku Kyojo Vita 2026 design, created by artist Toridamono. This design will be used for merchandise and race car liveries for the 2026 Kyojo Cup season. The artwork features Hatsune Miku in a racing-themed outfit with branding from Good Smile Racing and Crypton.
Monolith Soft Talks Up Ganondorf's "Alluring Charm" In New Interview
Monolith Soft discussed their extensive work on character and item modeling for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in a recent interview. The developers focused on giving the antagonist Ganondorf a "mysterious and alluring charm" through meticulous muscle definition and facial shading. The interview also touched upon the design of enemies like Horriblins and the Solider Construct, as well as the 'Fuse' weapon system.
Crimson Desert players have a common foe, and his name is Yann: "An absolute disgrace to the Greymanes"
Players of Crimson Desert are expressing significant frustration with the character Yann, often describing him as a disgrace to the Greymanes faction due to his constant complaining and perceived lack of contribution. Despite the negative sentiment, the article suggests Pearl Abyss is unlikely to change the character soon.
Cyberpunk 2077's best shopkeeper was originally a "vapid" side character devs had no idea what to do with, says actor, until a few redrafts made her "one of my favourite characters I've ever voiced"
Voice actor Erica Lindbeck revealed that her character Misty Olszewski in Cyberpunk 2077 was initially considered a "vapid" side character with limited dialogue. Through several redrafts by CD Projekt Red, the character evolved into one of Lindbeck's favorites to voice.
'Legally distinct Cammy': Overwatch revealed its newest hero and fans are saying she looks awfully familiar
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed a new hero for Overwatch, referred to as Hero 51, who features a braided ponytail and tactical gear, drawing comparisons to Cammy from Street Fighter. The new hero's trailer will premiere on April 8, coinciding with the next chapter of The Reign of Talon. The article speculates on her potential affiliation with Helix or Talon and discusses the character design's similarities to existing characters.
Palworld! More Than Just Pals ‘Special Video’, characters detailed
Pocketpair has released a new trailer, information, and screenshots detailing characters for their upcoming game, Palworld. The "Palworld! More Than Just Pals" special video provides further insight into the game's world and its inhabitants.
Out of all of Crimson Desert's baffling design decisions, its playable trio might be the worst offender
The author expresses confusion and disappointment with Crimson Desert's design choice of featuring three playable characters, arguing that their implementation feels like an afterthought. Despite distinct combat styles, the game frequently forces players back to the primary character, Kliff, limiting the utility and progression of the others, Damiane and Oongka. This half-hearted approach to an ensemble cast is seen as a baffling design decision that detracts from the game's potential.
Nintendo legend had "high hopes" for a Star Fox movie, and after today's Super Mario Galaxy Movie reveal he's full of gratitude: "Thank you, Miyamoto-san"
Legendary Nintendo designer Takaya Imamura expressed gratitude after Fox McCloud's appearance was revealed in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie poster. Imamura, who created the Star Fox character, had previously hoped for a Star Fox movie and discussed this with Shigeru Miyamoto. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is set to release on April 1.
Fortnite art lead behind iconic characters like Jonesy has been laid off by Epic Games, and fellow devs are paying…
Epic Games has laid off over 1,000 employees, including Vitaliy Naymushin, the character art director responsible for creating iconic Fortnite characters like Jonesy and Penny. Naymushin had been with Epic Games for over 11 years.