Valorant - Champions 2024

The theme of Champions24 became both a new challenge and a step forward in my understanding of design this year. The theme "Player's Journey" required visually representing the entire journey of a player while preserving the visual legacy of previous years and adding something new.
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I searched for a long time for a way to show the ups, downs, willpower, and determination of the player until I stumbled upon player statistics. The graphs perfectly reflected the entire journey and every action. Therefore, the centerpiece of the composition became a linear graph, expressed by a red line running through all the weapons. The histograms turned into a pattern that adorns the dark part of the weapon, complicating and deepening the player's story.
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The linear graph reminded me of a rose stem with thorns, symbolizing the complexity of the journey. The bud represents the hidden talent and potential that must bloom to reveal its true strength and beauty. This inspired me to make it the center of the weapon, turning it into a mechanical core from which a beam emerges, symbolizing the player's resilience and unwavering will to become a champion.
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Since Champions is being held in Korea in 2024, I couldn't resist incorporating references to Korean culture into the design. For melee weapons, I drew inspiration from Korean swords. I chose the Hwando as the base and added some forms from the Ingeom. I also included a traditional tassel, as it is the most recognizable part of Korean weapons.
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As usual in my work, I consider myself just a starting point, with the truly important work being done by the team. Every team member is an artist, contributing their vision to the final product. I always trust the people I work with and am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with them.
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Huge thanks to producers Laura Baltzer, Mingxi Zou and Victoria Kim for organizing such a complex production process.
Special thanks to Hyejin Kang for the consultations about Korean culture.

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