Chris Bourassa - Questionable Characters: Hero & Monster Design in Darkest Dungeon

This talk will explore the influences, design philosophy and practical methodologies used to create and refine the cast of Darkest Dungeon heroes and villains.
Since the game's launch in 2015, the appeal of the dysfunctional medieval team of heroes and their cosmically horrific antagonists have had a lasting appeal. Darkest Dungeon's characters manage to walk a line between the familiar and the foreign - breathing fresh life into established fantasy archetypes.
I will begin with an exploration of general character design principles (with examples) I feel are important. I'll share the conceptual background and design philosophy behind the Darkest Dungeon heroes, and show early sketches - outlining my process in concrete terms.
Theme and context are vital to successful character design, and I'll touch on how we construct interesting backstories to enhance the character's appeal. The (intentional) paralels between the DD cast and superheroes is of particular note.
Monster design and inspiration as an atithesis to the heroes is an important counterpoint. Visuals and themes of several of the tentpole enemies in the game will be highlighted.
Finally, a great design can evolve - I'll unpack how the characters are maturing for Darkest Dungeon 2, and reveal some of the artwork and models we're using for the sequel.
Speaker's bio:
Chris Bourassa has been a professional art director and concept artist for 14 years, contributing to a wide variety of videogames, animated TV shows, and pen-and-paper games. His credits include co-creating the ‘Monster Lab’ videogame IP (PS3/Wii/DS) at Backbone Entertainment, and assuming the character art direction responsibilities for Propaganda Games’ ill-fated ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ title. Chris has freelanced for Privateer Press, Games Workshop, Microsoft, EA, Relic and many more. He co-founded Red Hook Studios in 2013, and has charts the creative direction, narrative and art for the acclaimed indie rpg Darkest Dungeon, and its forthcoming sequel. He loves all things dark and macabre, and his favorite game is Thief 2.

[@ZeeboonInc]

It's actually funny you weren't aware, but Orcs in Japan are almost always portrayed as pig people. Inspired by the first editions of D&D where orcs have longer snouts, instead of short nosed human faces.

[@Anonymous_User69]

One of the best artists out there :D I'm a huge admirer of his designs and I love how positive he is!

[@sereminar4]

"A fist full of cutlery" xD
Honestly though, this was a fantastic explication and lesson on good design. Thanks a ton!

[@midenarithmos9200]

I knew it! I always thought of Batman whenever I see the unmasked Bounty Hunter artwork. It always bugs me if that's intentional or not and this video satiate that curiousity.
Alright about the video, I came here mainly wanting to draw like how Chris Bourassa and figuring out how, seeing the story behind all of the designs is so cool and gave me some ideas on how to approach it. They're all so good and iconic so he did it all of it perfectly. Bounty Hunter and Jester will always be my favorite heroes the most. The unique look on Jester's hat and how nonchalant BH is sometimes and just busy being a badass, man I love everything about the DD characters.

[@AndreySarafanov]

Great talk. Love your game. Great combination of unique art style and unique gameplay. Thank you.

[@selwyn0928]

Full of love. Elegant. Memorable. Thank you for sharing the process and experience. 🔥🏆🏔️

[@brandonscott4017]

Awesome video! Thanks Chris!

[@everssonnascimento4601]

This was so good! Thank you

[@ilcerbiastrello9335]

I'm curious about the symbols of the another characters.
Some I thought already about the jester, the symbols of his mask, for exemp, but I wish see the rest of gang.

[@jordanberman8873]

Ok so i love everything about this but i’m ESPECIALLY happy to hear that Chris Bourassa hates bards as much as i do if not more
Don’t roll bards, kids.

[@Nehfarius]

Honestly, bad Bards are deserving of every ounce of scorn their class gets. GOOD bards, while rare, are shining, multi-carat diamonds in the rough, and should be treasured.

[@ilcerbiastrello9335]

This made me confused for his character Sarmenti :/

[@MLBlue30]

This makes me want to be a bard more so I can piss people off.

[@misomiso8228]

21:30 i hate Bards too.

[@Rudi4rius]

I WANT TO CREAMPIE THE COUNTESS

[@cache9439]

Eew

[@canadiandemo9073]

Wtf bro lmao

[@Rudi4rius]

@@canadiandemo9073 c'mon bro