Trivia Murder Party 3 - Dev Diary #4

Picture this: you’re a crazed, trivia-loving serial killer who wants to put on the best Trivia Murder Party of all time. But how do you decorate?

We spoke to the art team from the upcoming, standalone Trivia Murder Party sequel, Trivia Murder Party 3. We learned what informed the art direction for Trivia Murder Party 3 and got a sneak peak into a bunch of (work-in-progress) visuals for the game! Read on to learn more!

And while you wait for the game to release in Early Access later this year, wishlist Trivia Murder Party 3 now on Steam and apply here for an opportunity to join Alpha Playtests later this summer.

What have you been working on lately?

Building out the main areas and environments of the game, this includes the intro, the lobby, scoreboard and the end of the game. - Wyatt, Senior World Artist

Thinking of interesting ways for dolls to die. - Kristin, Senior Tech Animator

Designing the in-game UI, from the player HUD to the trivia screen. - Kyle Fleischer, UI Artist

So many things :) ! New dolls and customization options. Overarching style, color and tone. And even tutorials drawn by [REDACTED].  - Matthew Bell, Art Director

Some of the “[REDACTED]-drawn” tutorial concept art.

What has informed the look of the game?

Using different visual cues and motifs present in 80s horror, whether its certain camera angles or homages to scenes or easter eggs  - Wyatt, Senior World Artist

This is the first TMP that doesn't take place in a locked room, so lots of references from nature. - Kyle Fleischer, UI Artist

A mix of 80s horror and the VHS-era macabre, but also campground throwbacks and voodoo.  - Matthew Bell, Art Director

How has the look of the game evolved as you continue to move forward in development?

Like any game, it takes time to iterate on and find the look we’re going for. We’re trying to be intentional with creation but also leaning into some stylization to tie the horror game vibes into some level of comedy.  - Wyatt, Senior World Artist

As we keep building new things and the game gets more complete it gives me a lot more context for how my animations get used, and I can make them even better. And deadlier. - Kristin, Senior Tech Animator

Each new space is its own puzzle, but we’re getting comfortable with the recipe. Dialing in the amounts of horror, 80s references, campground themes, and gameshow murder. The same is true of the characters, we’ve made some smart choices that are going to allow your characters to be more expressive and personalized. - Matthew Bell, Art Director

How do the different departments work together to achieve the intended look (i.e. the artists and the engineers)? How do you blend the practical concessions with the creative goals?

Death threats, subterfuge, and not taking no for an answer. - anonymous TMP3 dev

The best ideas get a laugh or a gasp. The team runs toward these ideas working to see how they can strengthen the goals.  - Matthew Bell, Art Director

What have been some of the biggest challenges with the art direction?

Given that the environments are semi-realistic, it’s always a balance of believability with animations. Too cartoony and it won’t fit in, too realistic and it’ll look strange on our characters. - Kristin, Senior Tech Animator

Designing UI that doesn't get in the way of the action. We finally get to see the world in its animated glory. - Kyle Fleischer, UI Artist

I’ve mentioned that TMP3 is a mix of 80s horror, campground, and murder gameshow. It's also a mix of cute and gruesome. Which means it’s a constant push and pull from these elements. - Matthew Bell, Art Director

What is your favorite art asset in the game so far and why?

It’s silly but the tutorials that [REDACTED] creates. They’re raw, unpolished but expressive and it shows how [REDACTED] must see his contestants/victims. - Matthew Bell, Art Director

We have an exciting new roster of doll avatars for Trivia Murder Party 3. Any insight into the fate of the dolls from Trivia Murder Party 2?

Probably death. But death is not the end… - Kristin, Senior Tech Animator

They live on in our hearts. - Kyle Fleischer, UI Artist