developer insights: graphics

[stoney0ne]

http://community.2ksports.com/community/insights/

a few of the highlights


Players
Players, by far, needed the most love this year, and with our Lead Character Artist Dan Roarty at the helm, we really focused on the details. With a passion for hockey and art, my artists brought the highest level of authenticity to the characters. All player heads were completely redone, with special thanks to Jeongcheol Shin, our in-house”player head mad man”. Multiple passes were taken to ensure the likeness of all key players in the game.




Playoff beards are another feature we enhanced this year. We improved the art using a combination of geometry, textures, and shader tech. Our players now have the ability to grow full volume beards by the time they reach the Stanley Cup. Of course we realize there are quite a few players that just don’t grow a full playoff beard, and for that we added a “ratty” style.


Player and goalie models needed a complete overhaul. Working with our rigger Mike Park, Dan Roarty focused on improving proportions and the overall look of the player. For example, all jersey tucks were remodeled to have a more organic and natural feel to them. The deformation rig achieved a harmony between the model and animation which gave the players that extra bit of natural motion. Special attention was paid to the goalie pads to ensure they worked realistically, and new additions were made such as the Reebok Series 3 pads and equipment.

Arenas

We had a great foundation for arenas in 2K9. What we needed was the authentic detail and feel of their true life counter parts. To do this, our Environment Lead James Lingo, along with John Lee and Ray Wong, focused on the unique qualities of each arena, with lighting playing a key role. From the warm hues in Pittsburgh’s Mellon Arena to the cool tones in Atlanta’s Philips Arena, finding the right atmosphere of each environment helped elevate their depth and reality. With great lighting, our characters also benefit, giving them the look of actually existing in that particular arena.

As for specific details, from the correct glass type, to the top board colors and even tunnels, all were completely remodeled, textured and lit. Another notable change is player entrances, which are now unique to each arena.

Closing

I’d like to thank everyone on the development team for making my first year as art director on NHL 2K10 such a memorable one. We really did have a great time making this game; it’s one to be proud of, as we have come so far. Hope you all enjoy!

-Heather Marshall
Art Director

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/33/l_051b648b50274b49ad6761245640a6bf.jpg

[macpuck]

It certainly looks as though significant improvements have been made to the graphics. For many of us, however, gameplay and the elimination of league and franchise mode glitches are even more important. The game is definitely going to look better. And now, if it also plays better and adds or expands some more entertaining features, 2K may find itself with a significant success on its hands.

[Flexxer27]

I truly hope Macpuck that you'll be able to deal with the controller options.

My fingers from time to time show signs of aging and I dread the day I can't do
what I want to do in this game.

[macpuck]

Last year I probably over-reacted in my efforts to overcome a right thumb that doesn't really cooperate and I "invented" a grip that ended up hurting more than it helped. I hope there are some options that will allow me to try a couple different ways to play but I think I've learned that I just have to cope with what is available. The ability to switch button functions is crucial but that seems to have been limited by the reliance on the right thumbstick as one of the most important controls. If I can leave my right thumb on it, I have a lot less trouble but, if I have to constantly moved it from the thumbstick to the buttons, I get right thumb swelling and stiffness pretty quickly. I have to try and be smart about it -- I always try to play in leagues with 4 or 5 minute periods but most of the active players seem to prefer longer periods. I find that I'm at least reasonably competitive in a lot of games for the first two periods and then the scoreboard gets a workout ... not in my favor. Fortunately, winning and losing isn't that important to me anymore; I just try to get into leagues where people are trying to play legit hockey (I try never to use "sim" because it starts arguments) and just have a good time. It's a whole lot more fun than checkers.

[Flexxer27]

Fortunately, winning and losing isn't that important to me anymore; I just try to get into leagues where people are trying to play legit hockey (I try never to use "sim" because it starts arguments) and just have a good time. It's a whole lot more fun than checkers.

This is my concern, that you have fun and enjoy playing 2K hockey again.

I enjoy the way you write and what you have to say. You have a vast knowledge of the game of Hockey and I agree with the majority of your posts. I'm disappointed when your disappointed especially when you were denied the ability to map out the controller to help over come a handicap when 2K had given you this option in the past but over looked it in 2K9, that touched me.
Recently I can tell through your posts that you really want to help 2K win back the "Video Hockey Crown" as do most of us on here contributing our thoughts and idea's to this blog.
I believe a lot of what we post good or bad, is taken into account to a great degree but a lot of it is ignored for what ever the 2K reason.
All in all it's a "Video Hockey Game" that's supposed to reflect a game we both grew up playing one way or another and love so much.
I for one feel strongly that 2K Hockey is on the right track in putting me back in living the game. When I play NHL 2K I'm on the ice in the moment as best as this entertainment medium can afford me at this point in time in the history of Video Hockey.
Let us all keep posting our idea's, complaints and concerns, and let us be heard for we are the generation that is helping to create hopefully for future generations, the greatest game on virtual ice.

Here's to NHL 2K10 *CHEERS*!!

And may there be many more years of NHL 2K Hockey to come.

"NHL 2K HOCKEY - LIVE THE GAME"