Extremitas: An Online Sci-Fi Action Strategy Game
Extremitas, developed by Battle Rattle Studios, is an ambitious sci-fi MMO blending epic space adventures, intricate logistics simulations, and strategic command and control. The game is built around semi-persistent week-long matches, featuring procedurally generated environments and lore, encouraging player collaboration in specialized roles such as combat, logistics, and intelligence.
Extremitas is designed around cooperative gameplay, strategic decision-making, and dynamic world-building. Players choose professions from Navy (combat-focused), Logistics (resource and infrastructure management), or Intelligence (intel gathering and support). Gameplay emphasizes exploration, resource gathering, intelligence operations, and research, culminating in large-scale conflicts requiring effective teamwork and resource management. The procedurally generated lore ensures each match offers unique narrative experiences.
Check out footage from a recent play-test:
Recognizing the critical role of compelling visuals and intuitive interfaces, Battle Rattle Studios engaged Actuator Digital for specialized asset creation and strategic planning. Actuator Digital’s involvement was focused on three primary areas:
Strategic Workshop for Funding and Production
Actuator facilitated a structured “Funding & Production Plan Workshop” addressing the urgent need for budget clarity and funding strategy:
- Developed a credible roadmap outlining production milestones for completing version 1.0.
- Formulated tailored funding strategies, prioritizing high-value investment opportunities.
- Defined essential pitch artifacts and created a clear development schedule.
- Produced a comprehensive project plan detailing actions, responsibilities, and timelines.
The workshop incorporated presentations, collaborative planning, hands-on budgeting, and defined clear, actionable outcomes.
Ship Asset Creation
Actuator Digital developed visually distinct, lore-rich ship designs for Warships, Mining Vessels, and Intelligence Ships, essential to communicating the game’s vision:
- Defined detailed ship designs reflecting distinct roles and aligning with game lore.
- Created bespoke assets to strengthen Extremitas’ unique identity.
- Ensured intuitive gameplay understanding through clear visual distinctions.
- Delivered high-quality 3D assets ready for immediate prototype integration.
- Established a scalable art pipeline documenting essential tools and processes for ongoing asset production.
Here’s a sample of the resulting pre-vis:
Tools utilized included Blender for modeling and Substance Designer and Painter for textures. Assets provided included FBX models, texture files, source files, art pipeline documentation, and comprehensive handovers.
UI Design & Creation
To enhance user engagement, Actuator Digital developed a cohesive and functional UI:
- Collaborated closely on wireframe analysis and visual asset planning.
- Created comprehensive visual assets including interactive icons, typography hierarchies, and color palettes.
- Designed scalable and modular assets optimized for multiple resolutions.
- Organized asset files meticulously for smooth integration, providing detailed documentation.
- Facilitated iterative feedback loops to ensure alignment with in-game execution expectations.
The UI creation process leveraged tools such as Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, and Substance Suite, ensuring comprehensive design coverage.
Results and Impact
Actuator Digital’s multifaceted approach provided Battle Rattle Studios:
- A clear, actionable strategy for funding acquisition and prototype completion.
- A robust, intuitive, and visually appealing UI enhancing the game’s user experience.
- High-quality ship assets significantly elevating the prototype and establishing foundational art direction for future developments.
These contributions effectively addressed critical development hurdles, positioning Extremitas as an investable, market-ready product.
Conclusion
Extremitas is a project with immense promise, and Actuator Digital is proud to be supporting its development. Actuator hopes the project will continue to receive the support and funding it needs, enabling the team to further contribute to realizing Battle Rattle Studios’ ambitious vision.