Until Dawn 2 Character Models Receive Mixed Reception Following State of Play Reveal
The new Until Dawn 2, which is being developed by a new team separate from Supermassive Games, was showcased during Sony's recent State of Play event. Its character models have drawn criticism for exhibiting an "uncanny valley" effect, similar to observations made about the original Until Dawn game. While actor Neil Newbon's character, Sebastian, has been noted for its detailed appearance, other in-game models in the sequel have been described as having stiff facial animations and a less natural look.
The sequel to the horror game Until Dawn, referred to as Until Dawn 2, was recently featured during Sony's State of Play showcase. This new iteration of the game is being developed by a different team, not Supermassive Games, which created the original title.
Despite the change in development, observations have been made regarding the character models in Until Dawn 2, with some noting a persistent "uncanny valley" effect. This visual style was also a point of discussion for the original Until Dawn game.
The narrative for Until Dawn 2 reportedly centers on a group of young adults who livestream their ghost-hunting activities on social media. Actor Neil Newbon is featured in the game in a villain role, portraying a character named Sebastian. Newbon's character model has been highlighted as one of the more successful depictions, praised for its detail and resemblance to the actor.
However, other character models within the game have been described as having a less natural appearance. Criticisms include "dead-eyed" expressions, stiff facial animations, and issues with how in-game mouths are rendered. These elements are noted as distracting from the intended emotional expressions of the characters.
The State of Play presentation also included a trailer for God of War: Laufey, which showcased a character model for actress Deborah Ann Woll. Her in-game representation was cited as an example of realistic and natural character design, with details like expressive eyes, natural skin texture, and lifelike blinking and breathing, contrasting with the observations made about Until Dawn 2's characters.
The broader discussion touches on the use of recognizable actors in video games and the challenges associated with creating realistic and appealing character models that avoid an unsettling aesthetic. The visual fidelity of character animation remains a key aspect of player immersion in cinematic game experiences.
(Source: GameSpot)
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