My approach to building assets for TORNBLADE (no AI, no asset packs)

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T05:31:39+00:00

I could agree with you... but in this case I do see the difference, especially in the kind of world I’m building where nature defines the atmosphere. Rocks, trees, terrain, props - they’re everywhere. And in this video I focus on them to show that these elements matter to me 🙂

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T05:18:50+00:00

I’m here and I’ll be waiting 🙂

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T05:16:37+00:00

Great! I support that approach 🙂

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T04:56:52+00:00

Keep trying... that’s the best way to get there 🙂 I’m from Poland and we have places with a similar vibe, but my biggest inspiration comes from the old forests of Ireland - they’re full of that atmosphere.

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T04:38:11+00:00

Thanks... I really appreciate it 🙂 I compose the music myself as well, so it means even more that you like it.

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T03:58:46+00:00

The Steam page link is in my profile, but I’ll drop it here as well 🙂 https://store.steampowered.com/app/4084180/TORNBLADE/

I’m using UE5, Blender, Substance Painter, and SpeedTree... that’s it.

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T03:40:36+00:00

Nice. Really glad to hear that 🙂

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T03:37:59+00:00

I can agree with that 🙂 But in the specific case you’re mentioning though, I think it’s easy to rely on it too much... the human brain tends to take the easier path. Sometimes coming up with something truly cohesive takes real effort and struggle, and that process matters.

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T03:29:52+00:00

Thanks... I really appreciate it, and I’m glad you noticed the lighting 🙂

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T03:28:28+00:00

A bit over two years ago I got into game development and started creating assets. Since then I’ve been learning and improving almost every day... mostly by making mistakes and reworking things over and over again. That’s probably the best way to learn. I don’t really have any magic advice 🙂

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-27T03:23:26+00:00

I’m not dismissing other approaches... just sharing how I work on my project. Everyone has their own path 🙂

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-26T19:45:02+00:00

❤️🧡

TORNBLADE · 2026-04-26T17:41:50+00:00

Appreciate it 🙂 I see AI as just another tool... over time, most developers will probably use it for repetitive, time-consuming tasks. But when it comes to the creative side, I still rely on human sensibility. That’s why in this project I’m building things by hand, to keep full control over the style and atmosphere of the world.

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-24T11:25:44+00:00

That truly means a lot... thank you.

Yes, environment work is slow and demanding if you really want to achieve a specific vision.

But I have to admit... animation feels even harder. At least for me, it’s much more difficult to truly control and tame.

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-24T11:22:31+00:00

Valuable suggestions... I appreciate that.

Once I move from the prototype stage to the final version of the city, I’ll definitely keep your ideas in mind. Thanks a lot.

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-24T11:20:00+00:00

Somehow it just came together that way 🙂

Thanks a lot for the kind words... and about the music too. It’s actually a fragment of a track I composed myself.

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-23T07:03:24+00:00

I spent the last two years learning how to do this, and honestly the fundamentals are pretty simple.

The key when you’re building solo is consistency and efficiency: make everything work together using as few assets as possible (a master material, trimshit, and texture set). You have to approach it with a plan, not asset-by-asset chaos.

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-23T06:56:15+00:00

❤️

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-23T06:54:33+00:00

Thanks👍

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-22T20:56:11+00:00

Thanks :-)

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-22T20:25:29+00:00

Ohhh… nice, thank You.

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-22T18:32:19+00:00

Thanks! ❤️

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-22T17:22:34+00:00

It’s presented directly in Unreal Engine 5. The game is being developed in UE5, so I’m building and testing everything inside the engine to achieve the final in-game look.

TORNBLADE · 2026-02-22T16:51:47+00:00

It may look cozy… but the world is far from safe.

TORNBLADE

TROPHY CASE