Tides of Tomorrow: A Colorful Journey Through Environmental Storytelling
A Maritime World, A Personal Journey
As the lead artist of Tides of Tomorrow, I wanted to share how this game is a reflection of my personal connection to the ocean and environmental concerns. With its maritime setting, the game is a symbolic representation of the vast, mysterious waters that have always been a part of my life. The project is a testament to the power of art in conveying complex emotions and experiences.
From French Sculptors to Contemporary Comics
The game's artistic influences are diverse, spanning from the sculptures of 60s French artists to contemporary comics and the real ocean. However, we intentionally avoided the iconic 'Waterworld' theme, aiming for a more vibrant and colorful approach. This visual style is a bold statement, emphasizing the emotional weight of the game's story and the contrast between the purity of water and the danger of pollution.
A Spiritual Successor to Road 96
Tides of Tomorrow is a spiritual successor to Road 96, aiming to innovate in narrative gaming while creating a fresh and independent identity. The game is rooted in real stories of sailors, pirates, drifters, and fishermen, set in a world under increasing threat of an ecological crisis. The characters and archetypes reflect the ways humanity can drift in times of crisis, offering a thought-provoking exploration of what could happen if the ecological crisis had already gone too far.
The Role of Design Materials
Plastic is a central design material in the game, representing the omnipresent material in many forms. The inhabitants of this emerging society rely on plastic to create all kinds of objects, buildings, and vehicles. The game showcases the use of plastic in different in-game factions, with the Reclaimers using colorful plastic panels and the Marauders leaning towards the aesthetics of oil platforms. The Mystics, on the other hand, have literally clung to whatever they found, creating a monumental community.
What We Learned
Tides of Tomorrow was a unique and challenging experience for us. Portraying such an important and serious subject while embracing so many artistic contradictions was a real challenge. Conveying both a sense of urgency and deep melancholy about the state of the planet while offering an inventive and refreshing artistic direction is something we consider both a privilege and a remarkable feat. Every element was carefully crafted and thoughtfully placed to give meaning to this new world, allowing everyone to understand and engage with the ecological themes that meant so much to us.
A World in Technicolor
Tides of Tomorrow arrives on Xbox Series X|S on April 22, offering a fresh visual style and a unique narrative experience. The game invites players to explore a strange world that will look, feel, and react differently depending on the Story-Link they choose. With the 'Online Story-Link' feature, players can feel the impact of previous players' choices and leave their own lasting mark for future players. The game is a testament to the power of art in conveying complex emotions and experiences, offering a fresh perspective on environmental storytelling.
