In a magical world ruled by the rules of chess, we follow two friends and their pursuit for a better life where the only way is up; even if it means stepping over the literal bodies of others. A story about friendship and betrayal. It’s a fantastical exploration of my experiences with codependency- how even the closest of friends may hurt each other and grow apart despite a desire not to, and that clinging onto them only makes it easier to hurt them more.
KRIEGSPIEL
FILM EXCERPTS
THE CITY
Chaturanga City is a vast and opulent city. It is the place where everyone wants to be- and where people are willing to fight for a place there. The first concepts I created felt too "stubby" and lacked the intimidating aura I wanted it to have. So I took inspiration from chandeliers to make it more mountaineous and castle-like in appearance. Sharper spires, more distinguishable edges, things like that, while still retaining the chess motif.
EARLY MONTY & LUCI CONCEPTS
PLAYER CONCEPTS
Early explorations of what the Players might look like. Coming from all walks of life, I wanted to characterize each of the Players with their own unique shapes and size to reflect their personal motivations in participating in the Games.
THE PATRONS
"Kings" and "Queens" find safety and enjoyment, located mainly in the upper parts of the city. They tuck themselves away under masks, allowing them to freely indulge themselves to their heart's content. Their main source of revelry comes in the form of placing bets on the Players during tournaments.
The White Queen and Black King are the main forces in driving Luci and Monte apart. With the White Queen backing Monte and the Black King backing Luci, their patronage is simply out of selfish curiosity. Placing bets on who will be the one to make it out alive, they plant seeds of doubt between them in order to amuse themselves. Pawns were expendable, regardless what form they took. And when their game ends, another will soon begin.
Kings and Queens watch through Players through screens when a game is ongoing.
THE COLOSSEUM & TOURNAMENT STAGES
The Colosseum is the place for Players to test whether or not they have the drive and ambition to survive in the city and prove themselves worthy under the watchful eye of Patrons. The Colosseum starts out as a normal colosseum before transforming into a surreal space for the Players to carry out their bloodier endeavors. Taking inspiration from collages and abstract art, I wanted to find ways to transform them into tangible "3D spaces" in a strictly 2D world and style.
.png)
