'NieR: Automata' Character Modeling Artist Reveals How YoRHa 2B Was Made
It has been quite some time since "NieR: Automata" hit the shelves and has been praised for its deep, compelling storyline as well as the crisp gameplay. Yet, aside from those factors mentioned, even the intricate design for the characters, most especially for the protagonist YoRHa 2B, has been the topic of awe, and fortunately the brains behind her physical form talks about how she was created.
In a PlayStation blog post, character modeling artist Hito Matsudaira shared that the process is not as simple as transforming an illustration into a 3D piece. It proved to be a painstaking task, but a rewarding journey at that.
He enumerates the process into three general steps. First is by predicting the overall form and the final image through a rough model, second is creating high-quality and precision modelling, and lastly implementing the approved model into the game.
While it all sounded fairly simple, a lot of work was poured into it. Matsudaira had to get the go signal from both character designer Akihiko Yoshida and game director Yoko Taro in order for the rough model to be the benchmark of everything else. Fortunately, the design was approved.
He also admitted that he took inspiration from other games to perfect 2B's image. He thought about the models for "Final Fantasy XII" which Yoshida worked on, as well as observed some subtle details from the original "NieR" game, fusing them together to make a harmonious result.
He ends his discussion by emphasizing why his work was something he took seriously. "Because games are interactive content, it is easy for a character's charm to be elevated in the mind of a player through the player controlling the character and the memories and emotions that come from experiencing the game," he says.
If anything, his desire for players to identify with 2B has been fulfilled. Games Radar has mentioned that the title has heart, making the characters even more relatable. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they also look pleasing to the eyes.
