Netflix | Vikings Valhalla Game

In crafting the trailer for Netflix’s “Vikings Valhalla Game,” our studio embarked on a creative journey that seamlessly melded existing game assets with expansive, custom-created environments. Utilizing character models and building assets provided by Netflix, we stayed true to the original aesthetic and spirit of the game while pushing the boundaries of its world. Our team meticulously designed full landscapes—ranging from towering Norwegian mountains and serene fjords to lush forests and sprawling ocean bays—that not only complemented but also elevated the visual narrative of the trailer.

We further enhanced the authenticity of the game by incorporating the original character animations, ensuring a direct and recognizable connection to the gameplay. Additionally, our artists developed custom character animations, adding layers of depth and action that invigorated the existing assets with new life. This strategic blend of fidelity to the original game assets and the addition of photorealistic, imaginative environments forged a dynamic and captivating trailer. The final product was a vivid, hybrid visualization that not only stayed true to the Vikings Valhalla game but also expanded the imagination of its world, making the gameplay experience more enticing and immersive for the viewers.

Game Assets

For the “Vikings Valhalla Game Trailer,” our animation team faced the challenge of elevating the basic game development rigs provided by Netflix into fully animated, cinematic-quality characters. Recognizing that the existing rigs were designed primarily for game functionality, we embarked on a comprehensive overhaul to adapt them for high-impact, full character animation suitable for a dynamic trailer.

Our first step involved creating custom character animations that would introduce a broader range of motion and emotional expression, essential for the cinematic narrative of the trailer. These custom animations allowed us to portray more complex and dramatic actions that went beyond the original gameplay capabilities, bringing the characters to life in new and engaging ways.

Evolving the World

To further enhance the realism and visual appeal of the characters, we added additional simulation layers. This involved sophisticated cloth simulation to give dynamic movement to garments and other fabric elements, reacting naturally to the characters’ movements and environmental factors like wind and motion. Additionally, we implemented FX animations to accentuate interactions with the environment, such as splashing water, flying debris, and other atmospheric effects.

The integration of these advanced animation techniques onto the base rigs not only enriched the visual storytelling but also provided a seamless blend between the game’s original aesthetic and the enhanced cinematic feel of the trailer. This approach resulted in a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that showcased our studio’s capability in transforming basic game assets into spectacular, trailer-worthy animations.

Evolving the World

To further enhance the realism and visual appeal of the characters, we added additional simulation layers. This involved sophisticated cloth simulation to give dynamic movement to garments and other fabric elements, reacting naturally to the characters’ movements and environmental factors like wind and motion. Additionally, we implemented FX animations to accentuate interactions with the environment, such as splashing water, flying debris, and other atmospheric effects.

The integration of these advanced animation techniques onto the base rigs not only enriched the visual storytelling but also provided a seamless blend between the game’s original aesthetic and the enhanced cinematic feel of the trailer. This approach resulted in a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that showcased our studio’s capability in transforming basic game assets into spectacular, trailer-worthy animations.