IG: @camryn_thomes

Trouble: The Video Game

My thesis is a collection of 12 pieces of concept art for a video game version of the board game, Trouble. Using my work to explore themes of climate change and societal divides, I have created 16 interesting characters, 4 backgrounds, and a multitude of props.

The themes of climate change and dystopia are the groundwork for the aesthetics of my designs. Using the 2d video game format, seen in games like Hollow Knight, to keep the iconic symbols such as the dice dome behind each base and the walkway pegs resembles the real-life board. Using a simple yet recognizable game like Trouble provides me with a framework to build off of without working from the ground up. This also allows me to inject more complex ideas into the designs of the characters, backgrounds, and props.

Introducing a younger generation to classic games like Trouble while utilizing the modern video game environment is the intention of my thesis. With the impact of climate change becoming more and more noticeable and younger generations becoming increasingly online and inside, a game that can educate as well as entertain could be what is needed to open the eyes of future generations.

Bio

My name is Camryn Thomes and I am an illustrator based in Maine and I have developed a passion for concept art and what it can do for a larger project. Character design has always been a passion of mine and through my years at MECA I have been able to gain the skills to create interesting backgrounds and design unique props as well. My style utilizes bright colors and nostalgic imagery such as stuffed animals or familiar places.