Diorama
Definition – A piece of art specially designed for presentation which represents a scene that can also be presented in miniature form or as a large scale museum exhibit alongside a digital 3D model display.
Mindmap
In this image you can see the mindmap that I have created which I have done to expand my knowledge on the existing types of dioramas of which there are various, the main reason why I seek to expand my knowledge on this subject is due to the fact that I will be selecting 3 to assemble into moodboards that appeal to me the most. Listing the scale in a mindmap shows me what choices I have and which ones would be best for me to select images for a moodboard from. In my case since I wish to focus on concept art I will most likely be selecting images from 2D dioramas though I will be selecting other types just so I can see how they are laid out in each format so that I can get the most information before I begin creating my product.
Moodboards
2D Art
In this moodboard I have collected images each presenting a diorama showcasing the work of a 2D artist. I have chosen these images as it helps to give me an idea as to how a diorama of drawn out work should look when its being presented for an audience to view which from these images I have chosen you can see that each art piece has been centered within the borders of the canvas and rotated to an angle that allows you to see all of the details featured within the art piece which allows the viewer to see the entire art piece without having to sit and search through for tiny details. What I like about each of these images is how well lit up they are as well as how the background suits the image without becoming a centerpiece of the art work but instead allowing the viewer to take little notice and focus the majority of their attention onto the product centered before them. The lighting on the models allows you to see all of the fine details and shading the artists has put in without blinding the viewer with overly bright colours. Overall these images show me what 2D art should look like when its displayed and what sort of background colours can be used to direct attention onto your centerpiece.
3D Model Diorama
In this moodboard I have collected various images presenting 3D dioramas, what I like about each of these 3D dioramas is how they are angled towards the viewer showing the entirety of the model in all of its detail whilst being appropriately lit up and darkened in certain areas so that it fits the environment setting for the diorama. These dioramas could assist me in building my own as they act as a suitable reference for lighting and positioning as well as once again setting up an appropriate background that draws attention towards the art work without misdirecting the audiences view. When designing my 2D diorama I could also look at these 3D showcases to see how they are laid out and which features they have decided to show more of in order to give the audience the most descriptive and cinematic view for when they lay their eyes upon the art work.
War Diorama/History Diorama
For my final moodboard I have made the decision to collect images focusing on historical and war dioramas, what I like about each of these dioramas is how finely detailed they are as well as how they are laid out and presented with many of the little figures within the miniature dioramas presenting detail even on the smallest aspects of their model, these dioramas to myself are eye catching, fun to look at and present a realistic and tragic subject in full interactive detail that allows you to wander around and peer in closely to see every angle of the diorama. These will help me in fashioning my own diorama as it helps me see how every small feature of detail has been presented such as dirt, clothing and other cosmetics that would otherwise go ignored.
How are dioramas used in games development?
1.
Within games a diorama can include any in-game object such as a building surrounded by telephone poles or a church with an outdoor cemetery, though they usually include scenic environmental objects or characters that serve to present an in progress concept or a complete piece of art that is now being showcased. For 3 ways in which a diorama can be used in games we can first take a look at how they serve the development process such as creating a 3D model of a house and then texturing it before placing it in a diorama to see if it meets the presentation and game play standards for example if a team design a house to be placed in the game but would like a better view of it before placing it in game they can make it into a diorama where they can review how well lit up it is, how the texture fits the object as well as how large it is and how it fits into the level or game overall.
2.
The 2nd way in which dioramas are used in games is advertising as creating a successful diorama that presents your in game object to high standards can be used to gather attention towards your game and help to build up hype around it as the diorama will give the audience an idea of what art style and graphical effects to expect as well as maybe even being given a hint of what genre the game is set in and so these dioramas if created appropriately can be used in advertising to help build up steam for your product whilst also helping to secure your target audience and guarantee a large number of sales before your product has even been finished or shipped.
3.
For this moodboard I have gathered images that present a 3rd way of how dioramas can be of use within the industry which for this case is level design as the dioramas presented showcase the design and layout of a level from a perspective that allows you to view the entire scene and review its contents. This is helpful to a development team as it gives them the ability to review a scene and pick out any irregularities or inconveniences within the scene before they fully start designing a level within the game engine.
What can dioramas include?
In games development and finished products dioramas can include assets such as weapons, vehicles and sometimes even level concepts that could include buildings and characters as well as environmental pieces. These can all be used to present to the target audience what can be expected to be seen in the game as well as get a preview of what type of atmosphere will be present in the gameplay. Overall a diorama can include any ingame product that the development team wish to present and showcase for the audience either including an upcoming update or an unreleased title.
Level 3 Games Development Spencer Lee 