We will soon conduct an in-game survey focused on character customization. We've received feedback indicating that customization is highly anticipated by the community. Currently, our options for customization are quite limited, and we aim to explore ways to enhance this aspect of the game.
Avatar Customization
The survey will concentrate on avatar customization, which is currently available but quite limited.
Presently, each accessory has its own graphic representation for each folk and gender. This means that if we were to introduce additional accessories into the existing system, we would need to create 16 graphics for each accessory piece. This process is not only time-consuming but also increases the game's data size, posing challenges, particularly for mobile applications.
To offer a more versatile avatar editor with a wider range of customization options, we need to revamp the current avatar system to ensure compatibility with the same items.
Our goal is to develop avatar designs that are more adaptable while remaining as close as possible to the existing design, ensuring that current avatars remain recognizable and retain their charm. However, we acknowledge that complete consistency cannot be guaranteed.
To be able to create a flexible avatar editor, we would have to standardize viewing angles (3/4 pose), head sizes and shapes, and color schemes, ensuring that additional accessories would fit any character class and type.
The graphic below illustrates this concept effectively. On the left side, you can see the current avatar design, which features various head shapes and viewing angles, making it challenging to fit universal gear. Conversely, the right side showcases the proposed avatar design, demonstrating how the hat would fit both character types due to the streamlined design, featuring a similar head shape and consistent viewing angle.
What Are the Advantages of a New Avatar Editor?
A new avatar editor will offer a wide range of options for personalizing your avatar. You will have access to numerous accessories, including hats, sunglasses, clothing, and much more. Additionally, various body types (such as female, sturdy and skinny) and skin tones will be available for you to mix and match according to your preferences.
To guarantee that all accessories are compatible with every body type and skin tone, the aforementioned adjustments will be necessary.
One significant advantage of this change is that players would have the opportunity to unlock accessories through gameplay. Additionally, these could be presented as rewards or as Twitch Drops, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
When Will the New Avatar Editor Be Available?
The timeline for the release of a new avatar editor has not yet been determined. Before we commence development on this feature, we aim to gather feedback from the community regarding the proposed changes to the avatar design.
Our goal is to enhance individualization and diversity. We want to understand whether players would welcome these updates or if they prefer to retain the current design, acknowledging that enhanced avatar customization will remain unavailable for the time being.
Should the survey results indicate a favorable response to the new avatar design, we will commence development in close partnership with the community. This process may involve further surveys, testing with the Alpha Group, and conducting Closed Beta tests.
