Exploring the Art of Hellblade, Valhalla, and God of War:

A Journey to Creating a Viking Character

When I began my research for my final project, I was captivated by the stunning artistry displayed in games like Hellblade, Valhalla, and God of War. I was drawn to the realistic characters, the intricate details of their armour, and the immersive worlds they inhabited. Inspired by these games, I knew I wanted to create a character that could stand alongside the likes of Kratos or the Senua of Hellblade 2.

However, I found myself at a crossroads. I lacked a clear direction and didn’t know where to start. Seeking guidance, I turned to my professors and mentors, who provided invaluable insights. Together, we explored different ideas and possibilities. Eventually, I settled on the idea of a Viking character.

The Viking theme appealed to me because it offered a rich tapestry of history, mythology, and fierce warrior culture to draw upon. I envisioned a character that would embody the spirit of the Vikings while also possessing a unique identity of their own. With this decision made, I delved deeper into Viking lore and history, immersing myself in research to ensure an accurate and authentic representation.

Throughout this process, I closely examined the character designs and art direction of Hellblade, Valhalla, and God of War. I studied the attention to detail in the armour, the textures of the materials, and the overall aesthetic choices. I sought to understand the techniques and approaches used to create such visually stunning and believable characters.

With each step of my research, I gained a clearer vision of the Viking character I wanted to bring to life. I envisioned a protagonist who would command attention and evoke a sense of awe and respect. I aimed to infuse the character with a depth of emotion, a backstory that resonated, and a journey that would captivate players.

My exploration of the art of Hellblade, Valhalla, and God of War, along with the guidance of my mentors, shaped my creative direction and fueled my determination to create an unforgettable Viking character. Armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, I embarked on the journey of character creation, ready to push my limits and bring my vision to life.

Bibliography

Sony Interactive Entertainment. (2022). God of War for PC. PlayStation. Available at: https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/games/god-of-war/pc [Accessed on: April 15, 2023]

Ubisoft. (2020). Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Available at: https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/valhalla [Accessed on: April 15, 2023]

Xbox. (2019). Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. Available at: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/senuas-saga-hellblade-II [Accessed on: April 15, 2023]