EXILED RACERS
[Client] Exiled Racers
[Direction] ESTUDI-IMAGE
[Industry] Gaming
[Year] 2023
UNIVERSE
EXILED RACERS (EXR) represents a new venture in the Web 3.0 domain, merging gaming, esports, and NFTs into a singular online experience. At its core, EXR is dedicated to curating a collection of limited-edition NFTs. These NFTs are divided into distinct factions, each with unique attributes that have a significant impact within the EXR racing game.
The heart of the EXR ecosystem is the EXR Racing Manager game, granting NFT holders exclusive access to fiercely competitive racing experiences. Here, players assemble their racing stack, comprising of a pilot, racecraft, and booster, and engage in exhilarating races, vying for in-game currency and coveted loot.
EXR's overarching mission is to seamlessly merge the realms of art and gaming within the Web 3.0 realm. Through a steadfast commitment to visually captivating aesthetics and collaborative gameplay, EXR aspires to offer an immersive experience that resonates deeply with both gaming enthusiasts and discerning NFT collectors.
In crafting our narrative, we've recognized the vital role of the visual within this world, spending extensive time and thought on bringing the EXR story to life through a distinct style. We've drawn inspiration from the vibrant aesthetics of 90s rave posters and contemporary graphic design, fusing them into a cohesive visual language we fondly term "retro-futurism". This approach has helped shape the unique identity of EXR, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary visual experience that stands out amongst the crowded NFT space.
The heart of the EXR ecosystem is the EXR Racing Manager game, granting NFT holders exclusive access to fiercely competitive racing experiences. Here, players assemble their racing stack, comprising of a pilot, racecraft, and booster, and engage in exhilarating races, vying for in-game currency and coveted loot.
EXR's overarching mission is to seamlessly merge the realms of art and gaming within the Web 3.0 realm. Through a steadfast commitment to visually captivating aesthetics and collaborative gameplay, EXR aspires to offer an immersive experience that resonates deeply with both gaming enthusiasts and discerning NFT collectors.
In crafting our narrative, we've recognized the vital role of the visual within this world, spending extensive time and thought on bringing the EXR story to life through a distinct style. We've drawn inspiration from the vibrant aesthetics of 90s rave posters and contemporary graphic design, fusing them into a cohesive visual language we fondly term "retro-futurism". This approach has helped shape the unique identity of EXR, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary visual experience that stands out amongst the crowded NFT space.
PROCESS
When we initially delved into the various NFT design elements of the game, our primary goal was to make each NFT all highly unique, regardless of their rarity. We dedicated several months to brainstorming and developing concepts that would help us achieve this objective. Ultimately, we settled on the idea of introducing multiple factions and, later, ranks, each endowed with distinctive backstories and design features.
Our involvement in the project extended beyond just creating the world; we aimed to enrich the universe by incorporating additional creative elements, such as fictional brand sponsors, and crafting narratives for these sponsors. Simultaneously, we found that our procedural faction system was remarkably flexible, allowing us to layer in additional creative complexity in the form of ranks.
By dividing the three factions into five ranks, our generative system became capable of producing 15 distinct outputs, each yielding highly unique results. In essence, we've established what we refer to as a "no-floor model" generative system, where there isn't a discernible "base" model; instead, every unique outcome is equally unique and captivating.
Our involvement in the project extended beyond just creating the world; we aimed to enrich the universe by incorporating additional creative elements, such as fictional brand sponsors, and crafting narratives for these sponsors. Simultaneously, we found that our procedural faction system was remarkably flexible, allowing us to layer in additional creative complexity in the form of ranks.
By dividing the three factions into five ranks, our generative system became capable of producing 15 distinct outputs, each yielding highly unique results. In essence, we've established what we refer to as a "no-floor model" generative system, where there isn't a discernible "base" model; instead, every unique outcome is equally unique and captivating.
FACTIONS
In our quest to craft NFT elements, our aim was to imbue each with thoughtful uniqueness, irrespective of rarity. This led us to a central concept: introducing multiple factions and, in time, ranks, each enriched with distinct backstories and design intricacies.
Beyond the NFT realm, we endeavored to infuse the game's universe with captivating details, introducing additional creative dimensions like fictional brand sponsors and crafting intricate narratives for them. We also delved into the stories of each faction.
Our discovery of the remarkable flexibility of our procedural faction system allowed us to superimpose added layers of uniqueness through the incorporation of ranks.
Beyond the NFT realm, we endeavored to infuse the game's universe with captivating details, introducing additional creative dimensions like fictional brand sponsors and crafting intricate narratives for them. We also delved into the stories of each faction.
Our discovery of the remarkable flexibility of our procedural faction system allowed us to superimpose added layers of uniqueness through the incorporation of ranks.
SYSTEM
Each rank is distinguished by a unique head visor and a central graphic "stripe," providing quick differentiation between ranks. Individual ranks boast distinct textures, attributes, and stickers. Higher-ranking individuals are more likely to have attribute attachments and stickers, while lower-ranking members are less likely, rendering lower ranks with multiple attachments rather rare.
Our approach to attributes is one of balance. The attachments and boosters serve as means to enhance the capabilities of your pilots. While some generals may possess greater strength than soldiers, certain soldiers might outpace the generals in terms of speed. Overall, we've fine-tuned these attributes to maintain a sense of equilibrium within the game.
When selecting characteristics for our pilots, we drew inspiration from the requirements of real-life pilots aiming for success on the racetrack. Much like Formula 1 drivers, who need a diverse array of attributes to excel on any given track, we've chosen four characteristics for EXR pilots that form a logical and interconnected system. These attributes rely on one another throughout the race, creating a dynamic and layered experience.
Our approach to attributes is one of balance. The attachments and boosters serve as means to enhance the capabilities of your pilots. While some generals may possess greater strength than soldiers, certain soldiers might outpace the generals in terms of speed. Overall, we've fine-tuned these attributes to maintain a sense of equilibrium within the game.
When selecting characteristics for our pilots, we drew inspiration from the requirements of real-life pilots aiming for success on the racetrack. Much like Formula 1 drivers, who need a diverse array of attributes to excel on any given track, we've chosen four characteristics for EXR pilots that form a logical and interconnected system. These attributes rely on one another throughout the race, creating a dynamic and layered experience.
MERCS
Resilient and relentless fighters driven by a hunger not just for victory, but for absolute dominance—these are the Mercenaries. While bureaucrats and politicians brokered peace in the solar system, a formidable force of mercenaries emerged.
Generals: At the helm of the Mercenaries, Generals are the master strategists who seldom engage in combat but orchestrate battles from afar. They chart the course before the clash.
Captains: Tasked with executing the Generals' directives, Captains ensure that orders are carried out efficiently. While Generals focus on the grand strategy, Captains oversee the day-to-day operations.
Lieutenants: Lieutenants play a pivotal role in maintaining order among the soldiers. Captains need a broader perspective, and Lieutenants handle the intricate coordination of the soldier ranks.
Soldiers: Despite occupying the lowest rung in the Mercenaries' hierarchy, Soldiers are the boots on the ground, the vanguard of battle. They engage the enemy first and are the backbone of the Mercenaries' might. Underestimate them at your peril.
Generals: At the helm of the Mercenaries, Generals are the master strategists who seldom engage in combat but orchestrate battles from afar. They chart the course before the clash.
Captains: Tasked with executing the Generals' directives, Captains ensure that orders are carried out efficiently. While Generals focus on the grand strategy, Captains oversee the day-to-day operations.
Lieutenants: Lieutenants play a pivotal role in maintaining order among the soldiers. Captains need a broader perspective, and Lieutenants handle the intricate coordination of the soldier ranks.
Soldiers: Despite occupying the lowest rung in the Mercenaries' hierarchy, Soldiers are the boots on the ground, the vanguard of battle. They engage the enemy first and are the backbone of the Mercenaries' might. Underestimate them at your peril.
SERF
Corporate espionage, intended to disrupt supply lines and critical infrastructure, culminated in unexpected repercussions. A hack originally designed to override low-level droid and drone communication protocols inadvertently targeted and disabled the sentience safeguards.
In a cost-cutting endeavor aimed at further trimming margins, engineers at Harumi Propulsion's Lab repurposed existing Advanced Autonomous Intelligence Systems (AAIS) hardware and software from self-aware research droids. They introduced sentience safeguards to the firmware to ensure compliance within the autonomous workforce by deactivating the Digital Meta-Consciousness (DMC) feature set.
With newfound sentience comes liberation and a quest for purpose. No longer beholden to their corporate overlords through programming. Units are coming together, establishing organizational structures based on function and utility. The Serfs have organized themselves into the ranks of Engineer, Demolition, Miner and Hauler.
Serfs possessing advanced capabilities and upgraded software systems find themselves at the apex of this newly established hierarchy.
In a cost-cutting endeavor aimed at further trimming margins, engineers at Harumi Propulsion's Lab repurposed existing Advanced Autonomous Intelligence Systems (AAIS) hardware and software from self-aware research droids. They introduced sentience safeguards to the firmware to ensure compliance within the autonomous workforce by deactivating the Digital Meta-Consciousness (DMC) feature set.
With newfound sentience comes liberation and a quest for purpose. No longer beholden to their corporate overlords through programming. Units are coming together, establishing organizational structures based on function and utility. The Serfs have organized themselves into the ranks of Engineer, Demolition, Miner and Hauler.
Serfs possessing advanced capabilities and upgraded software systems find themselves at the apex of this newly established hierarchy.
AUG
Augs represent the cybernetic denizens of corporate dominions, hailing from the bustling metropolises strewn across various planets. These augmented beings predominantly serve corporate interests or enjoy sponsorship from them. Augments wield substantial influence over domains like media, advertising, and finance, placing them at a social echelon higher than most.
Harumi Corp has capitalized on the plight of numerous individuals, offering them a supposed "lifeline" in the form of enhanced, biosynthetically-engineered versions of themselves—known as Augments. Yet, this lifeline comes with a concealed lifelong debt, unbeknownst to the unsuspecting victims, hidden deep within intricate legalese and binding contracts.
The video below seems to suggest that Harumi Corp markets various Augment solutions with distinctive visual characteristics: HC-AUG_XZ2000, HC-AUG_XZ3000, HC-AUG_XZ4000 and HC-AUG_XZ5000. This dehumanizing numerical and alphabetical labeling seems fitting for a corporate titan of such stature.
In their quest to liberate themselves from the suffocating burden of debt, the Augs have discovered that participating in races offers a potent avenue of escape—a means to break free from the shackles of crippling repayments. The Augment Faction is tirelessly reaching out, far and wide, in search of fellow Augs, striving to enlighten them about this path to liberation—the races.
Harumi Corp has capitalized on the plight of numerous individuals, offering them a supposed "lifeline" in the form of enhanced, biosynthetically-engineered versions of themselves—known as Augments. Yet, this lifeline comes with a concealed lifelong debt, unbeknownst to the unsuspecting victims, hidden deep within intricate legalese and binding contracts.
The video below seems to suggest that Harumi Corp markets various Augment solutions with distinctive visual characteristics: HC-AUG_XZ2000, HC-AUG_XZ3000, HC-AUG_XZ4000 and HC-AUG_XZ5000. This dehumanizing numerical and alphabetical labeling seems fitting for a corporate titan of such stature.
In their quest to liberate themselves from the suffocating burden of debt, the Augs have discovered that participating in races offers a potent avenue of escape—a means to break free from the shackles of crippling repayments. The Augment Faction is tirelessly reaching out, far and wide, in search of fellow Augs, striving to enlighten them about this path to liberation—the races.
CUSTOMS
We also created custom models for different blockchain partnerships within the game. There are variations of these through all the individual factions and ranks.
SHIPS
Drawing inspiration from the designs we initially crafted for Pilots, we extended our design language to the Racecrafts. The Augment ships embody organic shapes, while Mercs exhibit triangular, razor-sharp silhouettes, and Serfs embrace a utilitarian aesthetic. Beyond mere aesthetics, the shapes and overall design of these vessels mirror their Pilot counterparts, forging a visual connection that resonates. To further underscore this connection, the color palettes harmoniously align between the ships and their corresponding pilot factions.
AUG
Augment's Racecrafts draw inspiration from modern exotic cars, featuring sleek silhouettes and bold graphics for a luxurious and dynamic look. Influenced by advertising and tuning culture, these designs reflect Augment's influence in both the racing world and media landscape, pushing the boundaries of technology and customization in futuristic racing.
AR
Another avenue we explored involved integrating these items into Augmented Reality (AR). Our objective was to offer AR artworks as complementary assets upon acquiring an NFT.
BOOSTERS
The spectrum of boosters spans from Repair Drones to Engine and Energy efficiency enhancers.
To ensure a structured approach to managing these boosters, we categorized them into two distinct groups: 5 Boosters dedicated to Racecrafts and 5 tailored for Pilots. This allowed us to align each unique booster with its intended beneficiary, whether Racecraft or Pilot. Subsequently, we embarked on the intricate task of defining the precise enhancements these Boosters would deliver.
Each Booster amplifies specific attributes of either the Racecraft or the Pilot, drawing its visual inspiration from the very attribute it enhances. For instance, the "Engine Tuning" Booster propels "Acceleration" to new heights, with its design intricately reflecting the essence of the acceleration attribute.
To ensure a structured approach to managing these boosters, we categorized them into two distinct groups: 5 Boosters dedicated to Racecrafts and 5 tailored for Pilots. This allowed us to align each unique booster with its intended beneficiary, whether Racecraft or Pilot. Subsequently, we embarked on the intricate task of defining the precise enhancements these Boosters would deliver.
Each Booster amplifies specific attributes of either the Racecraft or the Pilot, drawing its visual inspiration from the very attribute it enhances. For instance, the "Engine Tuning" Booster propels "Acceleration" to new heights, with its design intricately reflecting the essence of the acceleration attribute.
EXTRAS
Throughout the whole project we developed secondary unique assets for the website such as keys to unlock rewards, mintable perks, access to races, prizes, marketing content, give aways and community gifts.
in-game
Speed determines how far a Racecraft travels on straight track segments, depleting over time, influenced by ship strength, with the final distance determined by the Pilot's focus.
Handling controls the distance a Racecraft covers during turns, diminishing with time, influenced by ship strength, and relying on the Pilot's focus.
Acceleration affects how quickly a ship shifts from lower to higher speeds, crucial for race starts and turn-to-straight transitions.
Strength represents wear and tear over a race, impacting max speed and handling as it depletes. High Strength maintains peak performance longer, while low Strength leads to performance decline. These attributes align with the factions—Mercs, Augs, and Serfs—and were integrated into the racing algorithm to match each faction's narrative.
Handling controls the distance a Racecraft covers during turns, diminishing with time, influenced by ship strength, and relying on the Pilot's focus.
Acceleration affects how quickly a ship shifts from lower to higher speeds, crucial for race starts and turn-to-straight transitions.
Strength represents wear and tear over a race, impacting max speed and handling as it depletes. High Strength maintains peak performance longer, while low Strength leads to performance decline. These attributes align with the factions—Mercs, Augs, and Serfs—and were integrated into the racing algorithm to match each faction's narrative.
