Game Director from Hell

Chapter 3: Art Director (2)

The planning document is slowly coming together.

From selecting the genre to choosing the game engine, establishing the basic concept and gameplay mechanics, creating character backgrounds and system designs, and setting the overall story of the game.

At the moment when all of that is done, I can finally take a breath.

"For now, the concept is complete."

Now it's time to dive into the preparations for actual development.

It has been a challenging process.

From budgeting to execution plans, everything has been demanding.

Game development, as it turns out, isn't something that can be done with passion alone.

Essentially, games are complex multimedia that require intricate interactions. They need experts from various fields who work harmoniously, like parts of a single body.

Even with one-person development, it's the same.

I can't do everything on my own, so I need to fill the gaps, even if it's through outsourcing.

The core aspects of development are planning, programming, and art.

Fortunately, I can handle two out of those three on my own.

"Planning is done. Programming, I can handle."

Programming is my university major.

It's not just any university, it's one of the top schools in the capital region. I graduated with honors.

I have a fair amount of programming knowledge beyond my major, and on top of that, I've accumulated know-how during my one-person development phase. So, I don't need immediate assistance in programming.

That leaves one thing.

"...Art."

As someone not proficient in the arts, I'm in dire need of help in this area.

No matter how excellent the gameplay and structure are, a game could appear mediocre if the visuals are lacking. It's as if the game isn't a game.

At times, even during the creation of [Identity], I outsourced art when developing.

And this time, the importance of art is even greater.

"The core of this project lies in visuals."

Not only for this project but for all the projects to come, visuals are the most crucial element.

The key is how vividly and eerily I can depict the landscapes of hell.

So, I can't just use characters thoughtlessly.

I also need a person who will stick with me for a long time.

It's best to avoid changing the art style abruptly, even for future considerations.

"Famous individuals are probably hard to get."

Even at this point, there are quite a few acclaimed art directors in the horror field.

I'm far too insignificant to bring them on board right now.

So, what I should consider is someone who isn't famous yet.

But someone whose skill is sure to shine one day.

My thoughts didn't stretch too far.

Having knowledge of the future is really this pleasing.

"I've got just one person."

Not now, but in the future, there's someone who will achieve fame.

In Seoul, and not too far from here.

***

This was in the early 2020s when I hadn't fully committed to quitting my job.

"Wow, a Korean art director making it to Game of the Year. Our national pride is off the charts."

"Well, they did make it really well."

"True, the idea might have come from the director, but that person is the one who brought it to life, right? How on earth did they come up with such descriptions?"

"That's the mark of a genius."

That year, a masterpiece that would leave a mark in the console gaming world emerged.

It received praise as a masterpiece solely for its gameplay. And its impact was greater than just that.

Nonetheless, the reason it was acclaimed as an unparalleled masterpiece, an achievement that no one could surpass before or since, was clear.

"Wow, the visuals are mind-blowing. Seriously."

Art.

The one reason that stood out above all others, regardless of any other elements.

It was a work of artistic brilliance that captivated players' attention every single moment through the backdrop of an open-world RPG.

There were horrifying aspects, delicate details, and grandiosity.

At every moment, players encountered new stimuli and beauty as they roamed through the world, interacting with all its elements.

This immersion led to a sense of being transported into the game world, almost as if it was a separate reality.

Players who experienced the game all said the same thing.

"I got so immersed that I played the game even in my dreams that night. It feels like I'll live this way for a while."

I felt the same way.

I was already highly interested in console gaming, and the anticipation got me hooked on the game, affecting my progress on the project for a while.

In fact, I still reminisce about that game.

The impact of playing it for the first time was so profound that even now, the vividness of its landscapes piercing through my mind, I still remember the shock of that first day.

In any case, the sole creator of such a game in the world was the art director, Han Seorim.

It was clearly an extraordinary feat that deviated from the norm.

Aren't the responsibilities for game production usually centered around the director in charge?

Especially considering the standing the game's overall director had in the industry, it would have been only fitting for them to receive credit for such accomplishments. Yet, she managed to steal that attention away.

As far as I can remember, it was the first and last time that the interest in a game's art director threatened the status of the overall director in the gaming world.

"It won't happen again, will it? A single game sweeping all the awards in the art category for the year."

"I can't guarantee it won't. But I don't think we'll see another one within 10 years."

For a year, she swept all the awards in the art category within the gaming industry.

Due to this historic achievement, the online community started investigating who she was, and they discovered a fact.

A Korean woman in her thirties.

Stepping foot into the gaming industry for the first time, her debut work was none other than that game.

She can only be described as a "genius."

Numerous overseas webzines sent lighthearted praises, saying "Korea is truly the place for games," and major gaming companies spared no effort in trying to recruit her.

Korea, as well as the company I was at, had the same attitude—let's at least give it a shot since there's a talented director who's Korean.

Of course, those attempts failed.

"I wouldn't go even if I were her. Why live as a salaried worker in the secluded island of the domestic gaming market?"

Korea is a market based on venomous BM (Business Model) that primarily explores the mobile and online sectors. In other words, it's a barren land where AAA-level games can't naturally thrive.

Furthermore, the salary that domestic companies could offer her, even if she received the best treatment anywhere she went, was pathetically low.

In any case, to put it simply, that's how it went.

She didn't go anywhere.

No, after completing that game, she completely withdrew from the gaming industry.

The reason hasn't been fully revealed to this day, but what's important now is one thing.

Han Seorim, the mother of [Lost Kingdom].

A legend of the industry who appeared like a comet, leaving behind only one masterpiece before disappearing.

And she's the person I need to recruit.

Luckily, I didn't need to think about where to find her.

"Come to think of it, she's the same school as our team leader."

"Same school? What are you talking about? I've never seen her in school. We were even in different departments from the start."

"If you went to the same school, you're classmates."

She's my junior from the same school.

An energetic freshman majoring in design from the class of '08.

After making the decision, I acted immediately.

Dressed in suitable clothes, I recalled the now-faint bus route and arrived at my alma mater, Korea University.

"It's been quite a while."

I looked up at the academic building.

After rewinding time, this was my first time seeing the building in almost 20 years.

Memories of those days suddenly surged.

Staying up all night to complete assignments, and completing assignments, and completing assignments.

"Um..."

...It's probably better to stop thinking about it.

Looking back, I wasn't particularly happy during my time at school.

As I continued to reflect on myself,

"Oh? Isn't that Yeonho?"

I heard a voice.

"Right! It's Yeonho!"

A guy's smile greeted me with warmth.

Who was he again? It took me a moment to remember.

"Is that Jinkyung?"

Since we hadn't met after graduating, it took a moment to recognize him.

He was the older student who was well-known as a drinking buddy in the department.

I remember he was popular as a rich kid from a well-off family.

"Yeah, man! Did you forget about me after coming back from the military?"

Jinkyung, who had come close in a few strides, playfully slapped my shoulder.

He was that kind of person.

Unpretentious and cheerful, he got along even with loners like me.

"It's been a while."

"Yeah, yeah. It's been about two years since you went to the military, right? Are you back to school now?"

"No, I'm taking one more semester off."

"Oh? But why are you here at school?"

"I have something to do here for a moment."

"Oho..."

Jin kyung scratched his head as if pondering.

It seemed like he wasn't particularly curious about what it was.

Well, we weren't close enough to share personal stories like that.

"So, you're a fourth-year now, right? By the time I'm back in school, you'll be graduating. Congratulations in advance."

I was about to give a perfunctory greeting and turn away.

"What nonsense are you talking? I'm adding another year."

"Huh?"

"Retaking classes. Fifth year."

"..."

Ah, that's how it was.

At the time of my return to school, this person was in fifth year.

"Han Jinkyung! Let's go quickly!"

People who seemed to enjoy drinking during the day called out to Han Jinkyung.

He responded.

"Yeah! Oh, this works out well. Yeonho, are you coming too?"

"No, I'll just finish some work and go."

"Wow, wow, is he a top student who doesn't know how to have fun? Anyway, got it. Good luck!"

Jin Kyung led the group and disappeared like the wind.

Many thoughts came to mind, but I pushed them aside.

I just kept walking.

"Where was the Department of Visual Art/Design building?"

There was more urgency in dealing with my immediate situation than worrying about someone else's life.

Fortunately, there was a campus guide that could replace faded memories.

It wouldn't be too hard to find people using the classic approach.

"Excuse me, can I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know Han Seorim in the Department of Visual Art/Design?"

The student blinked.

They looked surprised, but I didn't have any other options either.

It was an era where smartphones weren't widely available.

This makes sense.

***

Thud!

"Seorim! Han Seorim!"

A fellow student burst into the room, making a commotion.

Seorim raised her head from the desk.

"... Why?"

She was in a state of exhaustion from an all-night assignment.

Her head was throbbing, and loud noises were particularly painful. It seemed like her fellow student had no intention of being considerate.

"A guy came looking for you!"

"What guy?"

"That, uh... Cheon Yeon... Cheon Yeonho?"

It was an unfamiliar name.

Seorim furrowed her brow, and in that moment,

The senior who had been tapping away on her phone looked up and acted like she knew something.

"Cheon Yeonho? The Computer Cheon Yeonho?"

"Oh? You know him?"

"I do, then! He's a top student from the class of '06! He went to the military and now he's back!"

The senior stood up in excitement and joined in with the buzz.

She was trying to make a fuss about the fact that he was a well-performing student.

But there was something strange.

Sure, being a top student is something that happens in every grade, in every major, and even in other departments. There was no reason for him to be this famous.

"He's a top student, right?"

The senior smiled knowingly.

"Not that top? Well, he is, but he's a different kind of top."

The senior smirked.

"Top in terms of looks."

"..."

The fellow student nodded and grinned.

"Do you know each other?"

There was no doubt about it.

Like a clever cat pouncing on its prey, I could see through the situation.

Years of experience had taught me this.

There was no point in opening my mouth; it would just serve as good fodder for them.

"I don't know the guy."

"Why is he looking for you, then?"

"How should I know?"

"Oh, maybe..."

The fellow student and the senior exchanged knowing glances and burst into laughter.

It seemed that this TV show had ruined someone's image again.

Virtual marriages among celebrities were famous these days.

You could clearly see what was happening in those people's heads.

Seorim stood up immediately.

"If it's about work, can't you just tell me here? Unless it's something really important, I have a lecture soon."

I tried to brush off the excitement, but her expression suggested otherwise.

It seemed like she might need to keep quiet for a while.

"I'll be back soon."

Seorim left the room quickly.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, she realized that during my school days, she often got caught up in unnecessary gossip and didn't appreciate this kind of attention.

Naturally, her impression of Yeonho wasn't great as a result.

It was likely that her mischievous friend Han Jinkyung had asked him to come here.

If not, I would have to turn him away immediately.

Deciding that, I walked out of the building and found myself in front of the department.

Without much effort, I spotted Yeonho among the passing crowd.

His presence stood out like an aura.

"Umm."

He's handsome, I guess.

"Cheon Yeonho?"

A woman with her arms crossed and a slightly off-kilter stance approached me.

With her short, sharp haircut and distinct features, she was unmistakably Han Seorim, the art director of "Lost Kingdom."

Seeing her face in person was quite different from the photos in my memory.

Her aura was more intense than expected.

"Is this Cheon Yeonho?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Can we talk for a moment?"

"Is this something that can't be said here? I have a lecture soon."

She hadn't even shaken my hand by this point.

Her guarded demeanour was evident.

Well, considering I'm a stranger who somehow found their way to the department, it's understandable.

"Um..."

It didn't seem appropriate to stand here talking. Oh well, might as well give it a shot.

"I'll be direct. I have a favour to ask you, Han Seorim."

"What is it?"

"I'm working on a game. I'd like you to take charge of the art department."

Han Seorim's expression took an unexpected turn.

"... A game?"

"Yes."

"And you're making it?"

"Uh... yes."

There was a surge of unease within me, but the answer came back immediately.

"... I've never played a game before."

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